Hypoglycaemia Flashcards
1
Q
What is the main side effect of insulin therapy?
A
Hypoglycaemia
2
Q
Causes of hypoglycaemia?
A
- Too much insulin being administered
- Patient took insulin without eating
- Exercising too much
- Serious infections
- Use of drugs (alcohol prevents gluconeogenesis)
3
Q
Hypoglycaemia is defined as BG levels below…
A
3.9mmol/L
4
Q
At what BG level will the brain begin to dysfunction and a patient can experience cardiac arrhythmias?
A
<3.0mmol/L
5
Q
What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia?
A
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Blackouts
- Seizures
- Coma
- Falls (fractures and dislocations)
- Palpitations
- Sweating
- Anxiety and hunger
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Weakness and drowsiness
- Vision changes
- Difficulty speaking
6
Q
What is the benefit and risk of tight glucose control in diabetics?
A
Benefit = lower risk of retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy Risk = hypoglycaemia
7
Q
What is the treatment for hypoglycaemia?
A
- Treat with 15g fast acting carbohydrate to relieve symptoms
- Retest in 15 mins to ensure BG >4mmol/L and re-treat if needed
- Follow with long acting carbohydrate (toast)
