Diabetic hypoglycaemia

Question 1

What is hypoglycaemia?

Answer 1

Plasma glucose <3mmol/L

Question 2

What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 2

Sweating, anxiety, hunger, tremor, palpitations

(Neuroglycopenic) Confusion, drowsiness, visual trouble, seizures, coma

Question 3

What are the causes of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 3

(Diabetic patients) Insulin or sulfonylurea overdose
Increased activity
missed meals
(Non-diabetics) Alcohol, aspirin poisoning, insulin misuse

Question 4

How is hypoglycaemia diagnosed?

Answer 4

(Confirm low blood glucose) via fingerstick or Basic metabolic panel and check for Whipple triad
(Review medication)
*workup generally not indicated in diabetic patients

Question 5

What is the treatment for hypoglycaemia?

Answer 5

(Conscious) Oral glucose 15–20 g
Fast-acting carbohydrates
(Unconscious) IV dextrose