Hypoglycaemia

Question 1

what is the clinical range for hypoglycaemia

Answer 1

where fasting glucose is below 3.3 mmol/L

Question 2

what is the triad called in a case of hypoglycaemia

Answer 2

Whipples triad

Question 3

what is the whipples triad

Answer 3

hypoglycaemic symptoms, low blood glucose concentration AND resolving symptoms when blood glucose level is optimised

Question 4

what is the cause of hypoglycaemia in non diabetic adults?

Answer 4

too much insulin (EXOGENOUS OR ENDOGENOUS)

deficiency in hormones like GH or adrenal insufficiency

Question 5

risk factors for hypoglycaemia

Answer 5

middle age, exogenous insulin, insulinoma (benign tumour releasing excess insulin)

Question 6

hypoglycaemia symptoms and signs on examination

Answer 6

anxiety, tremor, hunger, nausea, palpitations, general tingling, confusion, drowsiness, irritability

Question 7

what investigations will be done for suspected hypoglycaemia

Answer 7

serum glucose

LFT’s

renal function tests

serum insulin

serum C-peptide

TSH

cortisol

Question 8

how to manage hypoglycaemia

Answer 8

diet- high protein, low carbs; smaller, more frequent meals

surgical excision of an insulinoma- chemo and radiotherapy

Question 9

prognosis

Answer 9

after successful surgery, most patients are cured