Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dL. A common form is reactive hypoglycemia, which occurs 2-4 hours after eating. It involves a rapid drop in blood sugar, causing symptoms such as tremors, rapid heartbeat, sweating, hunger, dizziness, nausea, irritability, or confusion. Unlike fasting hypoglycemia, this condition happens after meals and can be managed by identifying the correct cause.

For individuals with diabetes, hypoglycemia can occur if too much insulin is injected before a meal or if inappropriate blood sugar-lowering medications are used. Additionally, consuming foods with a high glycemic index can cause blood sugar to rise quickly, stimulating the body to release excess insulin to normalize levels. When insulin levels exceed the body's needs or if the body does not produce enough glucagon—a hormone that prevents blood sugar from dropping too low—blood sugar can suddenly decrease afterward.

Foods with a high glycemic index can easily raise blood sugar. Photo: Anh Chi

Hyperinsulinemia: According to WebMD, insulin resistance can cause the pancreas to produce too much insulin, leading to low blood sugar after meals.

Addison's disease: This is a rare endocrine disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged and do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone hormones. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress and regulates the use of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Aldosterone plays a role in maintaining sodium (salt) and potassium balance in the body. A deficiency in these adrenal hormones can increase insulin sensitivity, thereby raising the risk of hypoglycemia.

Pancreatic insulin-secreting tumors: Benign tumors in the pancreas cause excessive insulin production, leading to hypoglycemia when fasting, but it can also occur after meals.

Bariatric surgery: According to Very Well Health, gastric reduction surgery is a treatment often applied to individuals with severe obesity. After surgery, some patients may experience reactive hypoglycemia because food passes through the digestive tract more quickly, altering glucose absorption and utilization. A similar condition can also occur in individuals with dumping syndrome (early or late reflux syndrome) or after other digestive surgeries.

Genetic changes: Gene mutations can lead to reactive hypoglycemia accompanied by other symptoms. These genes disrupt glycogen metabolism and impair the regulatory function of pancreatic beta cells, causing post-meal hypoglycemic episodes.

Certain cancers: Deficiencies in some digestive enzymes or hormones can be due to chronic diseases such as pancreatic cancer. This condition impedes the body's ability to break down food, reducing the amount of glucose available in the body.

Anh Chi (Compiled)