Pathophysiology Flashcards
What are the most important counter regulatory hormones in the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia?
Epinephrine and glucagon
During a hypoglycemic event, a patient can experience neurogenic and/or neuroglycopenic symptoms. What is the difference?
Neurogenic symptoms are caused by the autonomic nervous systems response to a decrease in glucose.
Neuroglycopenic symptoms are caused by glucose deprivation in the brain.
List some examples of neurogenic symptoms of hypoglycemia
Shakiness, trembling, anxiety, nervousness, palpitations, clamminess, sweating, dry mouth, hunger, pallor, pupil dilation
List some examples of neuroglycopenic symptoms of hypoglycemia
Abnormal mentation, irritability, confusion, difficulty concentrating/thinking, difficulty speaking, ataxia, paresthesias, headaches, stupor, seizures, coma, a death if untreated
The three main factors causing hypoglycemia are related to ___
Diet, activity levels, and medications
Diet: skipping meals/poor intake
Activity: increase w/o increased eating or medication adjustment
Medications: wrong dose, timing