How is hypoglycemia diagnosed?

To diagnose hypoglycemia, blood glucose can be easily measured by blood testing in a doctor's office. Home test kits are also available for rapid glucose measurement. These home test kits are designed for use by diabetics to monitor and regulate their blood glucose at home while taking insulin or oral glucose-lowering agents. Doctors first measure the level of sugar in the blood. A low sugar level in the blood found at the time an individual is experiencing typical symptoms of hypoglycemia confirms the diagnosis.

The blood glucose levels in healthy individuals fluctuate depending greatly on the duration of fasting. The normal range is 70-120 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl) after an overnight (12 hours) fast. In healthy men, the blood glucose can drop to 55 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl) after 24 hours of fasting and to 48 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl) after 72 hours of fasting. In healthy women, glucose levels can be as low as 35 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl) after only 24 hours of fasting. These lower levels are not healthy and should be avoided.

Healthcare providers use a method called Whipple's triad to diagnose hypoglycemia. First, healthcare providers will evaluate the patient's signs and symptoms during a physical examination. In some cases, a healthcare provider may have the individual fast for 24 hours before the exam. Next, the healthcare provider will take a sample of the individual's blood to determine how much sugar is present. The last step needed to confirm a diagnosis is evaluating the patient's symptoms after blood sugar levels are raised. Individuals with hypoglycemia will experience no symptoms once their blood sugar levels are increased.

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