Hypoglycemia Flashcards
What is the alert level / value which is standardized to alert PTs to Hypoglycemia?
<70 mg/dL (SIG-70)
PTs at risk include PTs Rxd: Sulfonylurea
Insulin
Glinide
What are some of the associated risk factors for the development of hypoglycemia?
Hx of hypoglycemia Renal insufficiency Intensive glycemic control (long-term Diabetes) Hx of microvascular complications African Americans Hx of dementia Lower education level
What is the clinical picture of a PT presenting with HYPOglycemia?
Think SYMPATHOMIMETIC EFFECTS
Palpitations
Tremor
Anxiety / Arousal
Sweating
Hunger
Paresthesia
Neuroglycopenic –> DEAD IN BED
Cognitive impairment / Baseline behavior changes
Seizure
Coma
You recognize your PT is displaying S/Sx of a hypoglycemic condition; there is anxiety, sweating, and rapid heart rate. What can this condition progress to if nothing is done to correct the PT’s hypoglycemia?
Arrhythmia –> prolonged QT interval
Sudden death
Neuroglycopenia –> Seizure, coma, altered mental status, brain cell death
What is the most common intolerable issue PTs with Diabetes encounter when taking medications?
SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA
A PT presents to your clinic with acute Hypoglycemic conditions; what would your initial Tx include? (PT is conscious)
The PT is conscious so you would administer 15 to 20g of glucose (or glucose-rich foods)
~~Repeat every 15 min
2-3 glucose tabs 1/2 can of regular soda 3-5 hard candies (not chocolate; chocolate's fat content delays absorption) Skim milk Juice Raisins
When should you consider new A1C goals for PTs be established?
Hypoglycemia unawareness
Hx of severe hypoglycemia
If a PT has a hypoglycemic event; what outside influences should be ruled out before a medication adjustment is Rx’d?
Alcohol ingestion
Unaccustomed exercise
Skipped / Irregular meals
What potential strategies can you employ with your PTs to prevent Hypoglycemia?
Education Dietary intervention Exercise management Med Adjustment Glucose monitoring
