Doctor's Notes on Hypoglycemia
(Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia is a medical problem when the concentration of glucose in the blood is below 60 mg/dL. The concentrations can affect brain function (levels below 50 mg/dL) and/or can lead to coma or even death at very low levels of glucose in the blood. Common symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia include trembling, clammy skin, heart palpitations, anxiety, sweating, hunger, and/or irritability. These symptoms can be quickly relieved in most individuals when blood glucose levels are higher than 60 mg/dL. This is accomplished by the patient eating or drinking a highly concentrated glucose-containing substance (like sugared lemonade or a piece of hard candy) or by IV glucose-containing fluid. This rapid alteration of symptoms after the administration of glucose is also a sign of hypoglycemia. However, when the glucose level approaches severely low levels where the brain is derived of glucose, signs and symptoms become progressively worse (for example, severe headaches, confusion, and/or loss of the ability to think, seizures, coma, and even death).
There are many common causes of hypoglycemia. Most individuals who develop symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia have diabetes that results in loss or inadequate production of insulin. Other common causes include
- overmedication with insulin,
- missed meals,
- alcohol use,
- use of medications such as beta blockers and other drugs,
- severe infections,
- cancers causing poor fluid and/or food intake,
- adrenal insufficiency,
- kidney failure,
- liver failure,
- genetic defects,
- insulin-producing tumors and other problems.
Very low glucose levels are considered by most physicians to be a medical emergency.
What Is the Treatment for Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)?
Hypoglycemia is treated by giving the patient glucose. Oral doses (like the sugar present in a glass of fruit juice or hard candy) are rapidly absorbed and may quickly resolve many instances of mild to moderate hypoglycemia. Patients with severe hypoglycemia can be given IV glucose preparations. Underlying problems should be addressed to decrease or prevent this potentially life-threatening illness from happening again.
Type 2 Diabetes: Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
Question______________ is another term for type 2 diabetes.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Alcohol Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is defined as when the quantity of alcohol the person consumes produces behavioral or physical abnormalities. Alcohol is the generic term for ethanol. A person who is intoxicated with alcohol they may have euphoria, poor coordination and movement, poor judgment, memory loss, slurred speech, confusion, and even coma and death if the person consumed enough alcohol. Gender, coexisiting medical conditions, and medications may have an effect on the level of alcohol intoxication a person experiences. -
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when a person with diabetes becomes dehydrated. Causes of diabetic ketoacidosis include infection, missed insulin, or newly diagnosed diabetes. Some signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include excessive thirst, vomiting, confusion, dry skin or mouth, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency and if you think you or someone you know may be suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis call 911 or go to the nearest urgent care facility or emergency department. -
Diabetic Reaction
There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. There are two types of diabetic reactions; low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include: dizziness; headache; rapid onset of cool, pale, moist, and clammy skin; rapid pulse; and shallow breathing. Treatment is to have the person with diabetes suffering the reaction eat or drink something with sugar such as juice, candy, or another sweet substance. Hyperglycemia is less common and the symptoms can occur over several days. Medical treatment is generally needed. -
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition in which the brain repeatedly discharges its nerve cells in a disordered way resulting in seizure. Epilepsy symptoms include seizures accompanied by a temporary failure of motor, sensory and mental function. Epilepsy treatment includes anticonvulsant medications. -
Fainting
Fainting or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness. Causes of fainting include vasovagal, situational, postural, cardiac, neurologic, and psychogenic. Treatment of fainting depends on the cause. -
Febrile Seizures (Seizures and Fever)
Febrile seizures, also known as convulsions, body spasms, or shaking, occur mainly in children and are caused by fever. (Febrile is derived from the Latin febris, meaning fever.) -
Insulin Reaction
An insulin reaction occurs when an individual with diabetes experiences hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and becomes confused or unconscious. Causes of insulin reaction include improper medication dosing, exercise, or skipping meals. Common symptoms of a mild insulin reaction include dizziness, irritability, hunger, shakiness, rapid heart beat, and sweating. Treatment is generally sugar drinks, tablets, or wafers and monitoring insulin levels. -
Seizures (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy (seizure disorders) is a neurological condition that causes a series of jerking movements and loss of consciousness. Seizures are caused by disordered electrical activity in the brain rooted in a seizure disorder like epilepsy or a number of other primary causes. Seizures can be managed with medication. -
Seizures Emergencies
Seizures refer to uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Symptoms of seizures range from mild to severe and can lead to death. A number of factors can lead to seizures, including brain tumor, injury, and fever. Emergency treatment for seizures can include antiseizure medications to help prevent seizures emergencies.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.