Hypoglycaemia

Question 1

What are some common causes of hypoglycaemia in diabetics?

Answer 1

Too much insulin, not eating enough, increased activity without adjusting medication/eating more, alcohol

Question 2

What are the key presentations?

Answer 2

Rapid onset, odd behaviour, sweating, tachycardia, seizures

Question 3

How do you manage hypoglycaemia if the patient is conscious?

Answer 3

15-20g of quick acting carbohydrate. Recheck glucose after 10-15 minutes. Repeat snack up to 3 times

Question 4

How do you manage hypoglycaemia if the patient is conscious but uncooperative?

Answer 4

Squirt glucose gel between teeth and gums

Question 5

How do you manage hypoglycaemia if the patient is unconscious or not responding to treatment?

Answer 5

Glucose IV and potentially glucagon

Question 6

When do you give a long-acting carbohydrate?

Answer 6

Once glucose is normalised and the patient has recovered

Question 7

What are some complications of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 7

Accidents/injuries. Coma

Question 8

When do symptoms of hypoglycaemia start?

Answer 8

When blood glucose is about 3.0