Hypoglycemia can result from several toxicological causes. One of the primary culprits includes the inadvertent or deliberate ingestion of medications intended to lower blood sugar, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, especially in non-diabetic individuals. Other potential causes include:
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hypoglycemia, particularly when ingested on an empty stomach. Alcohol metabolism inhibits gluconeogenesis, reducing the liver's ability to produce glucose.
- Salicylates: Overdose of salicylates, such as aspirin, can result in hypoglycemia due to increased glucose utilization and enhanced insulin sensitivity.
- Beta-blockers: These can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia and, in overdose scenarios, may exacerbate low blood sugar levels by inhibiting glycogenolysis.
- Quinine and Quinolones: These drugs have been reported to cause hypoglycemia by stimulating insulin secretion.
