Hypoglycemia causes not linked to diabetes may include:
Some medications - if somebody who does not have diabetes swallows diabetes medication they may develop hypoglycemia. Quinine, a drug used for patients with malaria, can also cause hypoglycemia. Salicylates, which are used for treating rheumatic disease, and propronanolol for hypertension (high blood pressure may also trigger a serious drop in blood sugar levels.
Alcohol abuse - the liver can stop releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream if somebody has been drinking a lot.
Some liver diseases - drug-induced hepatitis can cause hypoglycemia.
Kidney disorders - people with kidney disorders may have problems excreting medications, which can result in abnormally low blood-sugar levels.
Not eating enough - people with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, may find that their blood sugar levels drop dramatically.
Insulinoma - this is a tumor in the pancreas which can make the pancreas produce too much insulin.
Endocrine problems - some disorders of the adrenal and pituitary glands can lead to hypoglycemia. Children with these disorders are more likely to develop abnormally low blood sugar levels than adults.
Reactive hypoglycemia (postprandial hypoglycemia) - this is when the pancreas produces too much insulin after a meal.
Tumors - tumors in other parts of the body (not the pancreas) can cause hypoglycemia. This is very rare.
