Symptoms:
1. Tachycardia
2. Sweating
3. Confusion
4. Altered mentation
5. Dizziness
6. Unresponsiveness
Common Causes:
i. Alcohol consumption
ii. Liver failure
iii. Excessive intake of medications like paracetamol or aspirin
iv. Use of sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide, glibenclamide)
Diagnosis:
Immediate Testing:
. Random Blood Glucose Level: A quick bedside glucose test to confirm hypoglycaemia.
Further Diagnostic Steps:
. Serum Insulin and C-peptide Levels: To differentiate between endogenous and exogenous insulin sources if necessary.
. Serum Electrolytes: To identify any associated electrolyte imbalances.
Whipple’s Triad:
. Low plasma glucose level (usually <4 mmol/L).
. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia (e.g., sweating, confusion, tachycardia).
. Resolution of symptoms upon correction of blood glucose levels.
| Condition | Management |
| Conscious and able to swallow | Give 200 ml of fruit juice |
| Conscious but unable to swallow | 200 ml of 10% glucose IV OR 1 mg glucagon IM or SC |
| Unconscious | 75 ml of 20% glucose IV OR 50 ml of 10% glucose IV OR 1 mg glucagon IM or SC |
You cannot copy content of this page
