Hand and Foot Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice

Tremors in the hands and feet?

Hello, doctor.
I am a very overweight girl, weighing about 85 kg and standing 160 cm tall.
I often feel weak and even tremble when I'm hungry.
Last time I was at the hospital, my blood sugar was measured (finger prick) two hours after a meal, and it was 143.
Is this considered high? Do I need to go to the hospital for further testing? Should I fast first to avoid having to go twice? Thank you for your response, doctor.

Xiao Hong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/09/12

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Internal Medicine

In healthy individuals, fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 to 110 mg/dL, and should not exceed 120 mg/dL two hours after a meal.
Based on your value of 143 mg/dL after eating, this is considered elevated.
Elevated levels often cause symptoms such as trembling in the hands and feet, which may be due to stimulation of the autonomic nervous system.
It is recommended that you have your blood glucose levels checked again while fasting at the hospital to determine if there is diabetes or other factors contributing to the elevated blood sugar.
Thank you for your inquiry!

Reply Date: 2005/09/12

More Info

Understanding hand and foot tremors, especially in the context of your symptoms, is crucial for determining the underlying causes and appropriate interventions. Based on your description, it seems that you experience trembling and weakness in your hands and feet, particularly when you are hungry. Additionally, your blood sugar reading of 143 mg/dL two hours after eating is indeed on the higher side, as normal postprandial (after eating) blood sugar levels should typically be below 140 mg/dL.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Hypoglycemia: The trembling and weakness you experience when hungry could be indicative of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). When your body does not have enough glucose, it can lead to symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, and weakness. This is particularly relevant if you have not eaten for a while.

2. Hyperglycemia: Your blood sugar reading of 143 mg/dL after eating suggests that your body may not be processing glucose effectively. This could be a sign of insulin resistance or prediabetes, especially if you have other risk factors such as obesity.

3. Diabetes: Given your weight and height, you may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The symptoms you describe, along with elevated blood sugar levels, warrant further investigation.

4. Other Conditions: Tremors can also be caused by other medical conditions, including anxiety, thyroid disorders, or neurological issues. It is essential to consider these possibilities, especially if the tremors are persistent or worsening.

When to Seek Medical Advice
Given your symptoms and the elevated blood sugar level, it is advisable to seek medical advice. Here are some steps you can take:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or an endocrinologist. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly additional blood tests.

- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: It would be beneficial to have a fasting blood sugar test, which requires you to fast for at least 8 hours before the test. This will provide a clearer picture of your baseline blood sugar levels and help diagnose any potential issues.

- Continuous Monitoring: If you have access to a glucose meter, consider monitoring your blood sugar levels at different times of the day, including fasting, before meals, and two hours after meals. This data can provide valuable insights for your healthcare provider.

- Lifestyle Modifications: Regardless of the diagnosis, adopting a healthier lifestyle can significantly impact your overall health. Consider working with a nutritionist to develop a balanced diet plan that helps manage your weight and blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity is also crucial.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms of hand and foot tremors, particularly when hungry, combined with your blood sugar reading, suggest that you should seek medical advice promptly. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. Monitoring your blood sugar levels and making lifestyle changes can also play a vital role in managing your health. Remember, early intervention is key in preventing potential complications associated with diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

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