Hypoglycaemia Flashcards
What are GlucoGel, Dextrogel, GSF-Syrup and Rapilose gel?
Proprietary products of quick-acting carbohydrate available on prescription for patients to keep on hand in case of hypoglycaemia.
How is hypoglycaemia which causes unconsciousness treated?
If sugar cannot be given by mouth, glucagon (a polypeptide hormone produced by the alpha cells of islets of Langerhans which increases plasma-glucose concentration by mobilising glycogen stored in the liver) can be given by injection.
What is diazoxide used for?
It is a drug which is useful in the management of patients with chronic hypoglycaemia from excess endogenous insulin secretion, either from an islet cell tumour or islet cell hyperplasia. IT has no place in the management of acute hypoglycaemia.
