Hypoglycaemia

Question 1

What is hypoglycaemia?

Answer 1

Low blood glucose concentration

Question 2

What is the most common cause of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 2

Insulin therapy (Too much insulin)

Question 3

What are some factors that can precipitate hypoglycaemia?

Answer 3

Irregular eating habits
Unusual exertion
Alcohol excess
Lipohypertrophy

Question 4

When is a person most at risk of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 4

Before meals
During the night
After exercise

Question 5

What are some possible symptoms of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 5

• Pallor
• Sweating
• Tremor
• Palpatations
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Hunger
• Cognitive impairment
• Coma

Question 6

What is meant by mild hypoglycaemia?

Answer 6

Patient conscious, orientated and able to swallow

Question 7

How is mild hypoglycaemia managed?

Answer 7

1. Give 15-20g fast acting carbohydrate (e.g. dextrose, glucojuice or pure fruit juice)
2. Recheck BG after 10-15 minutes
3. If still low, repeat treatment up to 3 times
4. If still low or deteriorating, call doctor, consider IV glucose or glucagon

Question 8

What is meant by moderate hypoglycaemia?

Answer 8

Patient conscious and able to swallow but confused, disorientated or aggressive

Question 9

How is moderate hypoglycaemia managed?

Answer 9

1. If capable and co-operative, treat as mild
2. If not co-operative but can swallow, give 1.5-2g glycose get between teeth and gums
3. Recheck BG after 10-15 minutes
4. If still low, repeat treatment up to 3 times
5. If still low or deteriorating, call doctor, consider IV glucose or glucagon

Question 10

What is meant by severe hypoglycaemia?

Answer 10

Unconsious/Fitting, very aggressive or nil by mouth

Question 11

How is severe hypoglycaemia managed?

Answer 11

1. Check ABC and call doctor
2. Stop IV insulin
3. Give IV glucose over 10-15 minutes
4. If still low, repeat IV glucose
5. Restart insulin once BG above 4mmol/L