Hypoglycaemia

Question 1

Why does our body need energy

Answer 1

Normal functioning of the body organs

Question 2

List some energy sources in the body

Answer 2

Fat and protein

Glucose

Question 3

Where does the brain get its energy from

Answer 3

ONLY glucose

Question 4

How is glucose stored in the body

Answer 4

As glycogen

Question 5

Where is glycogen stored int eh body

Answer 5

Liver and muscles

Question 6

What is the normal capillary blood glucose range

Answer 6

4-8 mmol/L

Question 7

What is hypoglycaemia

Answer 7

A capillary blood glucose below 4.0 mmol/L

Question 8

Why is hypoglycaemia dangerous

Answer 8

As there can be insufficiency energy fro cells to function normally

Question 9

How is at the highest risk of hypoglycaemia

Answer 9

1. Type 1 diabetics
2. Type 2 diabetes on insulin
3. Type 2 diabetics controlled by tablet/ diet

Question 10

When can patients with diabetes suffer from hypoglycaemia

Answer 10

If meals are delayed or missed
Activity levels are high
Metabolic demands increased

Question 11

What is diabetes

Answer 11

A chronic condition where the body does not effectively regulate the uptake of glucose into the cells from the blood stream

Question 12

Name the 2 types of diabetes

Answer 12

Type 1 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

Question 13

What is Type 1 diabetes

Answer 13

Where the body fails to produce insulin

Question 14

Why is insulin important

Answer 14

It is the ‘key’ to unpick the cell to allow glucose to enter from the blood stream

Question 15

What do people with Type 1 diabetes require

Answer 15

Insulin

Question 16

What is type 2 diabetes

Answer 16

When the body produces insufficient insulin causing insulin resistance

Question 17

How can type 2 diabetes be managed

Answer 17

1. Insulin (severe cases)
2. Oral diabetic medication
3. Diet and lifestyle changes

Question 18

How is the severity of hypoglycaemia categorised

Answer 18

By observing neurological and behavioural status

Question 19

How is neurological and behavioural status of patietn identified

Answer 19

Through the APVU scale and behavioural indicators

Question 20

What does the APVU scale stand fro

Answer 20

Alert
Verbal
Pain
Unresponsive

Question 21

List some of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia

Answer 21

1. Shaking
2. Sweating
3. Palpitations
4. Headache
5. Confusion
6. Aggression
7. Hunger
8. Slurred speech
9. Loss of consciousness

Question 22

How do we measure blood glucose

Answer 22

Blood glucometer

Question 23

How do we manage hypoglycaemia

Answer 23

Deliver 15-20g of fast acting carbohydrates followed by complex carbohydrates
Repeat this treatment 3 times if persistent call 999

Question 24

How do we manage mild hypoglycaemia

Answer 24

1. Deliver 15-20g of fast acting carbohydrates followed by 18g complex carbohydrates
2. Repeat 3 times
3. If resolved plan for safe discharge

Question 25

How can we check if a patient hypoglycaemic episode has resolved

Answer 25

A minimum of 2 normal capillary blood glucose readings should be obtained

Question 26

How do we manage moderate hypoglycaemia

Answer 26

1. Deliver 15-20g of fast acting carbohydrates
2. Followed by 18g complex carbohydrates +/- Additional fast acting carbohydrates as indicated
3. If resolved plan for safe discharge

Question 27

How do we manage SEVERE hypoglycaemia

Answer 27

1. 1mg glucagon (over 25kg) or 0.5mg glucagon (under 25kg)
2. Deliver fast acting carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates
3. Call 999 and inform GP

Question 28

How can glucagon be administered

Answer 28

Subcutaneous or intramuscular