Post-Bariatric Hypoglycaemia
A complication of weight loss surgery where blood sugar drops too low after eating.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Post-bariatric hypoglycaemia is a condition where blood sugar drops too low after eating, occurring in some people who have had weight loss surgery, particularly gastric bypass. It happens because food moves too quickly into the intestine, triggering an exaggerated insulin response. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and dizziness, usually 1-3 hours after a meal.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Post-bariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH) is characterised by symptomatic hypoglycaemia (blood glucose below 3.0 mmol/L) occurring 1-3 hours postprandially, most commonly after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The pathophysiology involves accelerated gastric emptying and rapid nutrient delivery to the distal ileum, triggering excessive GLP-1 secretion and subsequent hyperinsulinaemic response. Diagnosis requires documentation of Whipple's triad: hypoglycaemic symptoms, low plasma glucose, and symptom resolution with glucose administration.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery should be aware of PBH as a potential late complication. Dietary modifications, including smaller, low-glycaemic-index meals and avoiding simple sugars, are first-line management. Accord Medical provides comprehensive follow-up care for all bariatric patients under Dr. Joseph Wang.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
