If experience hypoglycemic symptoms, then confirm it by measuring the sugar/glucose level in blood. If it is lower than 70 mg/dl, it is an indication for hypoglycemia.
Glucometer Hypoglycemia test
Home glucose monitors, which are used by people who have diabetes, may be useful to evaluate possible hypoglycemia. However, a low blood-sugar reading needs to be confirmed by these formal laboratory tests, if needed.
Blood sampling site for hypoglycemic test
Test Site: Blood sample taken from the fingertips reflect your “real time” glucose levels, whereas the glucose levels in alternate sites take 20 to 30 minutes to catch up. Therefore, if you feel that your blood-glucose level may be low, you should test your levels by drawing a sample from your fingertip so you do not get a false reading. The same rule applies when you have treated hypoglycemia with a snack: A fingertip reading will more accurately tell you whether you are successfully treating.
Hypoglycemia stages & Blood-sugar levels
- Blood-sugar/glucose levels between 70 and 99 mg/dL.
- Blood-sugar/glucose level just below 70 mg/dl - mild hypoglycemia
- Blood-sugar/glucose level below 55mg/dl - moderate hypoglycemia
- Blood-sugar/glucose level drops below 35 to 40 mg/dl - severe hypoglycemia, which is fatal if emergency treatment not provided.
Urine test for hypoglycemia diagnosis
A urine test may require looking for substances called ketones that the body produces when it breaks down fat for energy. Insulin prevents the production of ketones. If you have been low blood-sugar from too much insulin, your body will not produce ketones. In people who have a normal insulin release, prolonged fasting causes a drop in insulin and an increase in ketone production.