Presentation
Review the disposition of a patient presenting to the emergency department with hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is an important and easily reversible cause of altered mental status in patients presenting to the emergency department. [cdemcurriculum.com]
PubMed Google Scholar Marinella MA: Alcoholic ketoacidosis presenting with extreme hypoglycemia. [intjem.springeropen.com]
We present one such case where chronic alcoholism combined with prolonged fasting lead to such a state and patient ended in a persistent vegetative state. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
There was a question of the serum alcohol level in patients presenting AALA. [nature.com]
If pyruvate is present, the following pathway occurs: pyruvate enter the mitochondrium, pyruvate carboxylase converts it to oxalacetate, mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase converts oxalacetate to malate, malate exit the mitochondrium, cytosolic malate [flipper.diff.org]
Entire Body System
- Malnutrition
Chronic malnutrition is also noticed in alcoholics that in turn inhibits release of FFA from adipose tissue and decreases the gluconeogenesis [ 10 ]. 4. [pubs.sciepub.com]
Hypoglycaemia is rare in people who don’t have diabetes but it can be caused - in rare cases - by people with Addison’s disease, fasting or malnutrition, binge drinking or heavy drinking of alcohol or certain medication. [express.co.uk]
A less likely theory would be a frank baseline NAD deficiency due to genetics or malnutrition, but one would expect a more global effect on health rather than just alcohol-induced hypoglycemic coma. [intjem.springeropen.com]
Assess for chronic alcohol abuse and/or dependence and monitor for potential secondary complications including as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, alcohol hepatitis, malnutrition. A. When is the Patient Ready for Discharge. [clinicaladvisor.com]
Fasting hypoglycemia: Certain medicines or herbal supplements such as fenugreek, ginseng, or cinnamon Alcohol Exercise Medical conditions such as liver disease, hypothyroidism, and tumors Eating disorders or malnutrition Stomach surgery or hemodialysis [drugs.com]
- Inflammation
For those without diabetes, drinking large quantities of alcohol can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). [alcoholanswers.org]
Other Effects of Ethanol Between one-half and two-thirds of alcoholics have skeletal muscle weakness caused by acute alcoholic myopathy Hormonal changes include Alcohol intake can result in inflammation of the esophagus and stomach causing epigastric [namrata.co]
Glucose Levels Following a Meal Once glucose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, the body must keep blood sugar from rising to levels above normal since too much glucose in the blood can damage tissues and contribute to inflammation [lifeextension.com]
Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Alcohol directly irritates the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation of the stomach lining (i.e., gastritis) and delayed stomach emptying, especially when beverages with a high alcohol concentration (i.e., greater [thoughtco.com]
Causing the onset of pancreatitis: Heavy drinking can cause chronic pancreatitis (severe and enduring inflammation of the pancreas), damaging that organ’s ability to produce adequate supplies of insulin. [addictionresource.com]
- Fever
Symptoms of stage-three withdrawal also include inattention, confusion, hallucination, fever, rapid heartbeat, sweating and pupil dilation. If the person is not receiving medical care, this stage can be deadly. [recoveryranch.com]
Hypoglycemia is typically just a symptom, perhaps one of many others, that suggests the existence of an underlying health problem (similar to how a fever is just a symptom of the flu). [goaskalice.columbia.edu]
Like fever, hypoglycemia isn't a disease itself — it's an indicator of a health problem. [mayoclinic.org]
Fever suggests infection or other toxidrome. Hypothermia can result from environmental exposure or severe metabolic effects of alcohol poisoning. [clinicaladvisor.com]
Depending on substance type, a range of withdrawal symptoms exist, and may include: hyperhidrosis (heavy sweating), myalgia (pain throughout the body), fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and intense cravings. [drugabuse.com]
- Hypothermia
Hypothermia can result from environmental exposure or severe metabolic effects of alcohol poisoning. [clinicaladvisor.com]
Discussion In the United States, alcoholic patients who present with a depressed mental status are usually not in a hypoglycemic coma, but instead have other etiologies of coma such as sepsis, shock, hypothermia, trauma, or excessive intoxication. [intjem.springeropen.com]
In newborns, hypoglycemia can produce irritability, jitters, myoclonic jerks, cyanosis, respiratory distress, apneic episodes, sweating, hypothermia, somnolence, hypotonia, refusal to feed, and seizures or "spells." [en.wikipedia.org]
Respiratoric
- Pneumonia
[…] quickly into your small intestine Rare enzyme deficiencies that make it hard for your body to break down food Fasting hypoglycemia Medicines, such as salicylates (such as aspirin), sulfa drugs (an antibiotic), pentamidine (to treat a serious kind of pneumonia [hormone.org]
The patient was discharged with the diagnosis of alcohol-related hypoglycemia, gastritis, and aspiration pneumonia. He declined prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics on discharge. He did not return within 1 month. [intjem.springeropen.com]
- Aspiration
Chest x-ray - if there is hypoxemia, tachypnea, respiratory distress, suspicion of aspiration with alcohol induced emesis, or evidence of trauma by history or exam. [clinicaladvisor.com]
The patient was discharged with the diagnosis of alcohol-related hypoglycemia, gastritis, and aspiration pneumonia. He declined prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics on discharge. He did not return within 1 month. [intjem.springeropen.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhea
Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period), unrelieved with taking anti-diarrhea medication and diet modification. Severe constipation, unrelieved by laxatives, lasting 2 to 3 days. [chemocare.com]
The main side effects of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are flatulence and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and do not necessitate cessation of therapy. [bouldermedicalcenter.com]
Sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea also commonly occur during a hangover, and these conditions can result in additional fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. [thoughtco.com]
Vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea also increase the loss of fluids and electrolytes, leading to dryness of the mouth, thirst, and dizziness, all typical hangover symptoms. [chemistryviews.org]
Further history elucidated that he had had a cough for 1 month and 2 days of epigastric pain without vomiting, hematochezia, or diarrhea. He had no remarkable medical or surgical history, took no medications, and had no known drug allergies. [intjem.springeropen.com]
- Increased Appetite
This is in contrast to the increased appetite and weight gain often induced by insulin and sulfonylureas. [bouldermedicalcenter.com]
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension
131 Pheochromocytomas 160 Neuroblastoma 168 Hormonal Hypertension 184 Primary Hypertension in Children 198 Adrenal Steroid Excess in Childhood 219 Adrenal Insufficiency in Childhood 227 DISORDERS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM 235 Early Precocious and Delayed [books.google.com]
Hypertension The American Diabetes Association lists hypertension as a common comorbid condition of diabetes. Alcohol consumption is also known to raise blood pressure levels, and this is yet another negative effect of alcohol on diabetes. [addictionresource.com]
However, if a person with diabetes already has hypertension, nerve damage, or eye problems, the consumption of alcohol is usually not recommended at all. [drugabuse.com]
Neurologic
- Dizziness
Symptoms of mild hypoglycemia can resemble early pregnancy symptoms, including hunger, nausea, sleepiness, headache, weakness and dizziness. [livestrong.com]
Signs include Hunger Shakiness Dizziness Confusion Difficulty speaking Feeling anxious or weak In people with diabetes, hypoglycemia is often a side effect of diabetes medicines. Eating or drinking something with carbohydrates can help. [icdlist.com]
The symptoms of hypoglycemia can mimic those of intoxication: dizziness, disorientation and sleepiness. [healthyeating.sfgate.com]
Hangovers result in unpleasant physical and mental symptoms including fatigue, headache, dizziness, and vertigo. [thoughtco.com]
Blurred vision or changes in vision Dizziness, lightheadedness, or shakiness Fatigue and weakness Fast or pounding heartbeat Sweating more than usual Headache Nausea or hunger Anxiety, Irritability, or confusion How is non-diabetic hypoglycemia diagnosed [drugs.com]
- Seizure
Another potential second-stage symptom is withdrawal-related seizures. [recoveryranch.com]
A patient presenting with hypoglycemia can easily be misdiagnosed as a stroke, seizure, psychosis, drug ingestion, or a traumatic head injury if the blood glucose level is not obtained. [cdemcurriculum.com]
Neuroglycopenic Symptoms Neuroglycopenia is the impaired delivery of glucose to the brain, and results in: headache confusion slurred speech seizures coma death These symptoms often result from a gradual decline in blood glucose which does not trigger [sharinginhealth.ca]
It may take longer to recover from severe hypoglycemia with unconsciousness or seizure even after restoration of normal blood glucose. [en.wikipedia.org]
Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia early because untreated hypoglycemia can lead to: Seizure Loss of consciousness Death Hypoglcemia can also contribute to: Falls Injuries Motor vehicle accidents Hypoglycemia unawareness Over time, repeated [mayoclinic.org]
- Tremor
The first stage of alcohol withdrawal is marked by tremors. These tremors usually begin eight to 12 hours after the person has stopped consuming alcohol. The tremors can be made worse if the person experiences any kind of agitation. [recoveryranch.com]
Signs of increased sympathetic nervous system activity can accompany a hangover, including increased systolic blood pressure, rapid heartbeat (i.e., tachycardia), tremor, and sweating. [thoughtco.com]
These include anxiety palpitations tremors sweating These symptoms usually occur when blood glucose levels fall abruptly. [sharinginhealth.ca]
Findings include; anxiety/irritability diaphoresis nausea/vomiting nervousness palpitations/tachycardia tremor CNS dysfunction predominates in most cases of hypoglycemia but a rapid drop in blood glucose will also produce the “hyperepinephrinemic” findings [cdemcurriculum.com]
Symptoms and effects of hypoglycemia can include dizziness, fatigue, sleep disorders, headaches, lack of ability to concentrate, depression, anxiety, light-headedness, tremors, cold sweats, heart palpitations, loss of coordination, and upset stomach. [nourishedhealth.com]
- Stupor
[…] of light in the field of vision Automatic behavior, also known as automatism Difficulty speaking, slurred speech Ataxia, incoordination, sometimes mistaken for "drunkenness" Focal or general motor deficit, paralysis, hemiparesis Paresthesia, headache Stupor [allaboutheaven.org]
SIGNS-SYMPTOMS-Physical-Exam 1) General : confusion, lethargy 2) HEENT: diplopia 3) CVS : tachycardia 4) Neurologic: tremulousness, weakness, paresthesias, stupor, seizure, or coma 5) Mental status: irritability, inability to concentrate, or short-term [slideshare.net]
[…] vision Flashes of light in the field of vision Automatic behavior, also known as automatism Difficulty speaking, slurred speech Ataxia, incoordination, sometimes mistaken for drunkenness Focal or general motor deficit, paralysis, hemiparesis Headache Stupor [en.wikipedia.org]
- Paresthesia
[…] double vision Flashes of light in the field of vision Automatic behavior, also known as automatism Difficulty speaking, slurred speech Ataxia, incoordination, sometimes mistaken for "drunkenness" Focal or general motor deficit, paralysis, hemiparesis Paresthesia [allaboutheaven.org]
SIGNS-SYMPTOMS-Physical-Exam 1) General : confusion, lethargy 2) HEENT: diplopia 3) CVS : tachycardia 4) Neurologic: tremulousness, weakness, paresthesias, stupor, seizure, or coma 5) Mental status: irritability, inability to concentrate, or short-term [slideshare.net]
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Autonomic symptoms (glucose < 65 mg/dl) Adreno-Medullary Neural- Sympathetic Tremor, anxiety, palpitations Neural-Parasympathetic Hunger, sweating, paresthesias Neuroglycopenic symptoms (glucose < 50 mg/dl) Glucose < 50 mg/dl [ocw.tufts.edu]
Hunger, borborygmus Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort Headache Central nervous system [ edit ] Abnormal thinking, impaired judgment Nonspecific dysphoria, moodiness, depression, crying, exaggerated concerns Feeling of numbness, pins and needles (paresthesia [en.wikipedia.org]
Workup
• Some patients have symptoms but normal blood glucoses; they need no further workup, in spite of their insistence. 20. [slideshare.net]
Serum
- Hypoglycemia
Glycogen stores get depleted; hypoglycemia is not due to inhibition of glycogenolysis. Hypoglycemia is also not due to the diuretic effect of alcohol. All the effects are due to increased concentration of NADH. [usmle.biochemistryformedics.com]
Brown TM, Harvey AM: Spontaneous hypoglycemia in ‘smoke’ drinkers. JAMA 941, 117, 12-15. 3. Robinson RT, Harris ND, Ireland RH, Lee S, Newman C, Heller SR: Mechanisms of abnormal cardiac repolarisation during insulin-induced hypoglycemia. [jpccr.eu]
Ingestion of these alcohols may cause hypoglycemia in children or adults. The present case is the first reported in which alcohol-induced hypoglycemia developed following inhalation of alcohol. [pediatrics.aappublications.org]
hypoglycemia Drug induced hypoglycemia Drug-induced hyperinsulinemia Drug-induced hypoglycemia Drug-induced hypoglycemia without coma Ectopic hyperinsulinism Ectopic IGF hypoglycemia Ectopic IGF-1 hypoglycemia Ectopic IGF-2 hypoglycemia Factitious hypoglycemia [icd9data.com]
- Fasting Hypoglycemia
For fasting hypoglycemia, you may have your blood glucose checked every few hours during a fast lasting several days. For reactive hypoglycemia, you might have a test called a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT). [hormone.org]
Dynamic Testing for Fasting Hypoglycemia Provocative testing for hypoglycemia is done with the Prolonged Fasting Test (also known as "72 hour Fasting"). [ocw.tufts.edu]
These tests may also be done to find the cause of your hypoglycemia. Fasting tests may be done. You may have an overnight fasting test or a 72-hour fasting test. After you have fasted overnight, your blood sugar levels will be tested 2 times. [drugs.com]
Fasting Hypoglycemia Fasting hypoglycemia tends to produce neuroglycopenic symptoms and may result from decreased liver production of glucose, ie in patients with liver damage. [sharinginhealth.ca]
Treatment
Transplantation 765 65 Treatment of Diabetes in the Hospitalized Patient 1103 66 The Diabetic Foot Strategies for Treatment 1111 BIOLOGY OF THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES 793 67 Vascular Disease of the Lower Extremities 1123 Cameron M Akbari and Frank [books.google.com]
With the prevalence of diabetes increasing, health care providers working in acute care settings need to be prepared to recognize alcohol-induced hypoglycemia quickly and respond with appropriate treatment. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Amazingly this information is either unknown or ignored by most treatment centers; in fact, conventional treatment programs teach protocols that aggravated and exacerbated the problem. [info.healthrecovery.com]
Prognosis
The prognosis is good, if the condition is treated in a prompt manner Drug-Induced Hypoglycemia can be prevented in non-diabetic individuals by avoiding drugs intended to reduce blood glucose levels, as well as through proper management of diet and exercise [dovemed.com]
Prognosis of alcohol-associated lactic acidosis in critically ill patients: an 8-year study. Sci. Rep. 6, 35368; doi: 10.1038/srep35368 (2016). References 1. Thomas, I. [nature.com]
Prognosis and Patient Counseling. [clinicaladvisor.com]
Etiology
The probable etiology of low blood sugar in our patient was alcohol-induced inhibition of gluconeogenesis along with starvation. The prolonged hypoglycemia caused cortical damage simulating ischemic brain damage. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Use Additional Use Additional Help Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. [icd10data.com]
(Etiology) The direct cause of Drug-Induced Hypoglycemia is the unregulated use of one of several types of medications that cause blood sugar levels to drop. [dovemed.com]
It is still important to consider alternative etiologies of metabolic acidosis such as lactic acidosis from profound volume depletion, sepsis, or bowel ischemia, and in diabetic patients, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). [clinicaladvisor.com]
Occasionally people lose their memory permanently………… A case study of an alcoholic with severe long-term hypoglycemia: - Jain H, et als. 2002 “The probable etiology of low blood sugar in our patient was alcohol-induced inhibition of gluconeogenesis along [allaboutheaven.org]
Epidemiology
Epidemiology Hypoglycemia is common in type 1 diabetes, especially in patients receiving intensive therapy, in whom the risk of severe hypoglycemia is increased more than threefold. [slideshare.net]
Pathophysiology
Alcohol-induced hypoglycemia may be only one example of this phenomenon; further research should be done to elucidate how these factors can affect other basic pathophysiologic processes. [intjem.springeropen.com]
Patients who use insulin as a part of intensive therapy are at increased risk of hypoglycemia several hours after drinking alcohol. return to top Pathophysiology Glucagon and epinephrine are the most important immediate responders to hypoglycemia. [sharinginhealth.ca]
Hypoglycemia: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-511325-9. OCLC 36188385. ^ Service FJ, Cryer PE, Vella A (March 2017). [en.wikipedia.org]
Prevention
This thoroughly updated edition includes an introduction to risk assessment and screening and results of recent clinical trials and their implications for treatment and prevention. [books.google.com]
Preventing hypos after alcohol Alcohol can sometimes trick us. [diabetes.co.uk]
Dutas $2.42 Dutas prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). [sieb96.org]
The Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial Results, II: the relationship of reduction in incidence of coronary heart disease to cholesterol lowering. [books.google.es]
In addition, exercising after a meal or snack can be an effective strategy to prevent hypoglycemia. Testing blood sugar often and carrying supplies for prompt treatment are also critical steps for preventing and treating low blood sugar. [livestrong.com]