Blood Sugar
Diabetes results when there is no control of blood sugar in the body because of inadequate insulin production or decreased response to insulin, the hormone that regulates the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when there are abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood. It can be caused by fasting, reactions to carbohydrates, some diseases and by drugs taken to control diabetes, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. A drop in blood sugar can result in such symptoms as sweating, fatigue and weakness. More severe reactions include confusion, seizures and even coma.
Diabetes
To diagnose diabetes, a fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) measures blood glucose in a person who has not eaten anything for at least eight hours, explains the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. An oral glucose tolerance test measures blood glucose after a person fasts for eight hours and two hours after the person drinks a beverage containing glucose. Both tests can detect diabetes and pre-diabetes. Random glucose tests can also be given, but they are used to diagnose diabetes and not pre-diabetes.
Hypoglycemia
Diagnosis for hypoglycemia measures blood glucose during a glucose-tolerance test or following an overnight fast if the first test is unclear. Repeated tests may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor may do further tests and look into patient history to determine underlying causes of hypoglycemia. If symptoms are relieved as sugar levels in the blood rise a few minutes after ingesting sugar, a diagnosis for hypoglycemia can be made. Diabetics can verify episodes of hypoglycemia through home blood glucose devices to monitor and regulate blood sugar levels.
Falling Sugar Levels
In diabetics, hypoglycemia may be suspected when the symptoms are described. The diagnosis is confirmed when low sugar level tests are taken. People who are not diabetic sometimes have vague complaints of weakness or dizziness. Symptoms may start to develop when the level of sugar in the blood falls below 60 milligrams per deciliter of blood, or 60 mg/dl. Normal levels range from about 70 to 110 mg/dl. Symptoms can develop at slightly higher levels when blood sugar levels fall quickly. Some people don't develop symptoms until the sugar levels in the blood are much lower. Low blood sugar can be treated immediately by eating or drinking something that has sugar in it, such as orange juice, milk or hard candy, according to The Methodist Hospital System.
Diabetic Medicine
Medicines given to diabetics can cause hypoglycemia. Abnormal levels of medications in the blood may show the patient has been taking excessive medication. Doctors can determine hypoglycemia through glucose tests or they can request the diabetic do at-home glucose monitoring when symptoms occur. Doses of medication may need to be decreased to treat the symptoms.
