Hypoglycaemia

Question 1

What level of blood glucose is classified as hypoglycaemia?

Answer 1

Less than 4mmol/l

Question 2

What are the main causes of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 2

Drugs
Acute liver failure
Adrenal insufficiency
Insulinoma

Question 3

What drugs are likely to cause hypoglycaemia?

Answer 3

Insulin
Sulphonylureas

Question 4

What symptoms would a blood glucose concentrations <3.3 mmol/L cause?

Answer 4

Autonomic symtpoms

Question 5

What autonomic symptoms would a blood glucose of less than 3.3mmol/L cause?

Answer 5

Sweating
Shaking
Hunger
Palpatations
Anxiety

Question 6

What would a blood sugar of <2.8mmol/L cause?

Answer 6

Neuroglycopenic symptoms

Question 7

What neuroglycopenic symptoms could a blood sugar of <2.8mol/L result in?

Answer 7

Headache
Double vision and difficulty concentrating
Slurred speech
Confusion

Question 8

What are severe and uncommon symptoms of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 8

Convulsions
Coma

Question 9

What is the initial management of hypoglycaemia if the patient is in teh community?

Answer 9

Oral glucose 10-20g should be given in liquid, gel or tablet form

Question 10

What is an alternative to oral glucose?

Answer 10

Quick-acting carbohydrate may be given: GlucoGel or Dextrogel.

Question 11

What are examples of aquick acting carbohydrates?

Answer 11

GlucoGel
Dextrogel

Question 12

What should be avoided in someone with hypoglycaemia?

Answer 12

Chocolate

Question 13

What is the non-medical management of hypoglycaemia in a stil conscious patient?

Answer 13

Small can of Coca-Cola
Sweets
Fruit juice.

Question 14

What is the management of a patient who is unconscious or unable to swallow?

Answer 14

1mg intramuscular injection glucagon

Question 15

What is an alternative to IM glucagon?

Answer 15

200ml 10% dextrose IV

Question 16

What is an insulinoma?

Answer 16

Increased ratio of proinsulin to insulin