Hypoglycemia¶
Will Bassett
Background¶
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Definition: BG <70 mg/dL in a patient on insulin or an oral hypoglycemic; <55 mg/dL for other patients
- Generally worse outcomes than hyperglycemia
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Causes: infection, liver failure, iatrogenic (e.g. insulin not adjusted for AKI or being NPO)
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Symptoms vary from tremor, palpitations, delirium, dizziness, AMS, coma
Management¶
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Give PO carbohydrate load (15-20g oral glucose) if pt is alert and tolerates PO
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Give IV D50 if severe (<50), or cannot take PO
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Repeat measurements after 15 minutes and treat again as needed
- As a rule of thumb, 15g of carbs should raise BG within 15 minutes
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Give glucagon 0.5-1mg SQ/IM if no IV access and impaired consciousness
- Effect is transient and IV access should be obtained ASAP for glucose infusion
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Do NOT hold basal insulin for T1DM: treat the low, then reduce dose if needed
Last update:
2022-06-20 02:12:46