Hypoglycaemia Flashcards
Why does our body need energy
Normal functioning of the body organs
List some energy sources in the body
Fat and protein
Glucose
Where does the brain get its energy from
ONLY glucose
How is glucose stored in the body
As glycogen
Where is glycogen stored int eh body
Liver and muscles
What is the normal capillary blood glucose range
4-8 mmol/L
What is hypoglycaemia
A capillary blood glucose below 4.0 mmol/L
Why is hypoglycaemia dangerous
As there can be insufficiency energy fro cells to function normally
How is at the highest risk of hypoglycaemia
- Type 1 diabetics
- Type 2 diabetes on insulin
- Type 2 diabetics controlled by tablet/ diet
When can patients with diabetes suffer from hypoglycaemia
If meals are delayed or missed
Activity levels are high
Metabolic demands increased
What is diabetes
A chronic condition where the body does not effectively regulate the uptake of glucose into the cells from the blood stream
Name the 2 types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
What is Type 1 diabetes
Where the body fails to produce insulin
Why is insulin important
It is the ‘key’ to unpick the cell to allow glucose to enter from the blood stream
What do people with Type 1 diabetes require
Insulin
What is type 2 diabetes
When the body produces insufficient insulin causing insulin resistance
How can type 2 diabetes be managed
- Insulin (severe cases)
- Oral diabetic medication
- Diet and lifestyle changes
How is the severity of hypoglycaemia categorised
By observing neurological and behavioural status
How is neurological and behavioural status of patietn identified
Through the APVU scale and behavioural indicators
What does the APVU scale stand fro
Alert
Verbal
Pain
Unresponsive
List some of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Palpitations
- Headache
- Confusion
- Aggression
- Hunger
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
How do we measure blood glucose
Blood glucometer
How do we manage hypoglycaemia
Deliver 15-20g of fast acting carbohydrates followed by complex carbohydrates
Repeat this treatment 3 times if persistent call 999
How do we manage mild hypoglycaemia
- Deliver 15-20g of fast acting carbohydrates followed by 18g complex carbohydrates
- Repeat 3 times
- If resolved plan for safe discharge
How can we check if a patient hypoglycaemic episode has resolved
A minimum of 2 normal capillary blood glucose readings should be obtained
How do we manage moderate hypoglycaemia
- Deliver 15-20g of fast acting carbohydrates
- Followed by 18g complex carbohydrates +/- Additional fast acting carbohydrates as indicated
- If resolved plan for safe discharge
How do we manage SEVERE hypoglycaemia
- 1mg glucagon (over 25kg) or 0.5mg glucagon (under 25kg)
- Deliver fast acting carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates
- Call 999 and inform GP
How can glucagon be administered
Subcutaneous or intramuscular
