Hypoglycemia

Question 1

Level of serum glucose concentration to be considered as Hypoglycemia

Answer 1

≤ 60 mg/dL

Question 2

Explain why hypoglycemia is life-threatening

Answer 2

Brain is dependent in glucose. Low levels of blood glucose lead to impairment of brain function.

Question 3

Diagnostic criteria of Hypoglycemia

Answer 3

Whipple’s Triad

Question 4

Explain Whipple’s Triad

Answer 4

1. Low Plasma glucose
2. Symptoms consistent with hypoglycemia (in CNS)
3. Relief of those symptoms if plasma glucose is raised

Question 5

Classification of symptoms associated with CNS

Answer 5

1. Neurogenic
2. Neuroglycopenic

Question 6

This also affect the autonomous nervous system

Answer 6

Neurogenic

Question 7

This symptom occurs 4 hours after meal

Answer 7

Neurogenic symptoms

Question 8

Neurogenic symptom is primarily found in which type of hypoglycemia?

Answer 8

Reactive/alimentary Hypoglycemia

Question 9

Neurogenic symptoms: (4)

Answer 9

Tremors
Palpitations,
Anxiety
Diaphoresis

Question 10

Symptoms associated with CNS with decreased glucose supply in the brain

Answer 10

Neuroglycopenic

Question 11

This symptom occurs after 10 hours without food intake

Answer 11

Neuroglycopenic

Question 12

Neuroglycopenic symptom is found in which type of hypoglycemia?

Answer 12

Fasting hypoglycemia

Question 13

Neuroglycopenic symptoms: (5)

Answer 13

Blurred vision
Behavioral changes
Confusion
Dizziness
Tingling Sensation

Question 14

Causes of hypoglycemia: (5)

Answer 14

1. Alcohol consumption
2. Severe Sepsis
3. End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
4. Cortisol and/or Growth Hormone Deficiencies
5. Alimentary Hypoglycemia/ Reactive Hypoglycemia

Question 15

Why does alcohol consumption cause hypoglycemia?

Answer 15

Alcohol can inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis
(liver cells cannot convert other macromolecules into glucose).

Alcohol can increase glycogen phosphorylase
(an enzyme involved in glycogenesis)

Question 16

Values:

Normal FBG/ Fasting Blood Sugar

Answer 16

70-99 mg/dL

Question 17

Values:

Glucagon & other hyperglycemic hormones are released into the circulation

Answer 17

65-70 mg/dL

Question 18

Values:

Strongly suggests hypoglycemia
(if result is found in series/ multiple glucose testing)

Answer 18

≤ 60 mg/dL

Question 19

Values:

Observable symptoms of hypoglycemia appear

Answer 19

55 mg/dL

Question 20

Values:

Impairment of cerebral function begins

Answer 20

50 mg/dL