Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia

Blood glucose level below 4 mmol/L accompanied by symptoms like tachycardia, sweating, confusion, and shaking.

Causes of Hypoglycemia

Include excess antidiabetic agents, alcohol consumption, liver failure, certain medications like paracetamol and sulphonylureas, insulinoma, Addison's disease, and self-administration of insulin/sulphonylureas.

Manifestations of Hypoglycemia

Symptoms may include tachycardia, pounding heart, hunger, anxiety, sweating, confusion, altered mentation, and coma.

Management of Hypoglycemia

If conscious and able to swallow, provide 200 ml fruit juice or oral glucose. If unconscious or unable to swallow, administer IV glucose or IM/sc glucagon.

In-Hospital Management of Hypoglycemia

For confused patients who can swallow, apply glucose gel between the teeth and gums. If confused and unable to swallow, administer IM glucagon or IV glucose.