Hypoglycaemia Flashcards
1
Q
How is hypoglycaemia defined?
A
Glucose < 3
< 2.6 in children
< 4 in hospital
(with or without symptoms)
2
Q
What are the causes of hypoglycaemia?
A
Diabetes treatment: - insulin - sulphonylureas Alcohol Addison's Insulinoma AI hypoglycaemia (insulin receptor antibodies)
3
Q
What might trigger hypoglycaemia in a diabetic patient?
A
Increased insulin Increased activity Reduced food Alcohol --> up to 24 hours after drinking Infection
4
Q
What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia?
A
Rapid onset Autonomic response: - shakes - palpitations - nervous - hunger Neuroglycopenia: - tingling - numbness - fatigue, drowsiness, confusion - coma, seizures
Some patients may be asymptotic until glucose extremely low
5
Q
How is hypoglycaemia treated if the patient is oriented?
A
Eat/drink 10-20g of rapid release glucose, then slower release carbs e.g. toast once glucose > 4
6
Q
How is hypoglycaemia treated if the patient is confused but able to swallow?
A
2 tubes of Glucogel squeezed into mouth
- if ineffective, treat as if unconscious
7
Q
How is hypoglycaemia treated if the patient is unconscious?
A
At home: - glucagon 1mg IM/SC In hospital: - IV glucose/dextrose (200ml of 10% or 100ml of 20%) - glucagon if difficult IV access
