Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is caused by overmedication, use of certain medications, use of alcohol, missed meals, kidney or liver infection, and more. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- trembling,
- clammy skin,
- palpitations,
- anxiety,
- sweating,
- hunger, and
- irritability.
Treatment of hypoglycemia in a person with diabetes is glucose (sugar). If the cause is another disease or condition, treatment will depend on the cause of the hypoglycemia.
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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. -
Wilderness: 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. -
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. -
Wilderness: Seizure
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.
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Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Topic Guide - Visuals
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Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Repaglinide (oral)Repaglinide is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This medicine is not for trea...
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GlucagonGlucagon is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. It also slows involuntary muscle movements of the stomach and intestines that aid in digestion...learn more »
GlyburideGlyburide is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glyburide is not for treating t...
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Diazoxide (oral)Diazoxide raises blood sugar by slowing the release of insulin from the pancreas...learn more »
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Topic Guide – Related Topics
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High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
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