Presentation
She later presented with another seizure and a blood glucose level of 20 mg/dL. [patientcareonline.com]
References: [1] Etiology Clinical features Symptoms of hypoglycemia normally present at approx. 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L) ; however, this threshold is variable. [amboss.com]
Insulin-dependent hypoglycemia is diagnosed by an inappropriately high serum insulin concentration when symptoms of hypoglycemia are present. [britannica.com]
The present study is aimed at measuring the determinants and predictors of hypoglycaemia among diabetes patients. [endocrine-abstracts.org]
Group 2 drivers need to present a medical report certificating they have good diabetes control, have not had any severe or recurrent hypoglycemia in the last twelve months and there aren't any other diabetes complications. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Entire Body System
- Weakness
There was a strong positive correlation between HbA1C and average blood glucose (Pearson coefficient +0.7), and a weak negative correlation between HbA1C and hypoglycemia frequency both BG ≤ 70 and BG ≤ 46 (Spearman coefficient -0.3). [shmabstracts.com]
Signs and symptoms include pale, clammy skin, rapid and weak breathing, tachycardia or fast pulse, weakness, headache, and confusion. The person may appear intoxicated. [chrisdudley.org]
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Symptoms of hypoglycemia include the following: Sweating Rapid pulse Shakiness, dizziness, weakness Decreased coordination Difficulty concentrating Blurred vision Headache Trouble performing routine tasks Note: Symptoms can vary [visionaware.org]
The percentage of participants who have experienced hypoglycaemia who know the following symptoms (sweatiness, shivering, hunger, weakness, palpitations, anxiety, confusion, visual disruption, light-headedness, convulsion, headache, inability to concentrate [endocrine-abstracts.org]
Hunger, tiredness, dizziness, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, trembling and weakness were the most common symptoms felt by participants when they develop hypoglycemia. [bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentral.com]
- Fatigue
Progressive symptoms may appear, such as dry or flushed skin, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, fruity odor on breath, and confusion. [chrisdudley.org]
A fall in blood glucose causes symptoms such as hunger, sweating, shakiness, fatigue, weakness, and inability to think clearly, whereas severe hypoglycemia causes symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and coma. [msdmanuals.com]
Hypoglycemia symptoms can include: Shakiness Nervousness or anxiety Sweating, chills, or clamminess Irritability or impatience Dizziness and difficulty concentrating Hunger or nausea Blurred vision Weakness or fatigue Anger, stubbornness, or sadness For [cdc.gov]
Mild hypoglycemia—for example, blood glucose concentrations less than 55 mg per 100 ml (3 mmol/l)—causes hunger, fatigue, tremour, rapid pulse, and anxiety. [britannica.com]
Represents around 10 per cent of all cases of diabetes and is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions Onset is usually abrupt and the symptoms obvious Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue [diabetesaustralia.com.au]
- Pallor
Autonomic symptoms Increased sympathetic activity: tremor, pallor, anxiety, tachycardia, sweating, and palpitations Increased parasympathetic activity: hunger, paresthesias, nausea, and vomiting Neuroglycopenic symptoms Agitation, confusion Behavioral [amboss.com]
[…] severe, signs and symptoms of low blood glucose include: Feeling shaky Being nervous or anxious Sweating, chills and clamminess Irritability or impatience Confusion Fast heartbeat Feeling lightheaded or dizzy Hunger Nausea Color draining from the skin (pallor [diabetes.org]
ANS: A, B, E Whipple triad is the presence of the symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., diaphoresis, pallor, tachycardia), the documentation of low blood glucose levels when symptoms are present, and the improvement of symptoms as the blood glucose level rises [quizlet.com]
Signs of hypoglycemia • Common signs of hypoglycemia include : 1. diaphoresis and pallor. 2. [slideshare.net]
- Malnutrition
Possible causes include: your body releasing too much insulin after eating (called reactive hypoglycaemia or postprandial hypoglycaemia) not eating (fasting) or malnutrition a complication of pregnancy a gastric bypass (a type of weight loss surgery) [nhs.uk]
Hypoglycemia can occur with malnutrition and starvation when you don't get enough food, and the glycogen stores your body needs to create glucose are used up. [mayoclinic.org]
Malnourishment: Malnutrition can cause hypoglycemia as a result of substrate limitation of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the setting of glycogen depletion. [slideshare.net]
Although hypoglycemia in the elderly is the most common complication of tight glycemic control, multiple co-morbidities like renal impairment, chronic heart disease, malnutrition and polypharmacy may increase risk of this complication [ 34 ]. [jdmdonline.biomedcentral.com]
Issues particularly relevant to the risk of iatrogenic hypoglycemia in older individuals include inconsistent eating patterns and even malnutrition, renal insufficiency, and drug interactions, as well as consideration of the risk-to-benefit relationship [care.diabetesjournals.org]
- Plethora
The 17,000 people who attended most of the healthy living sessions had, collectively lost nearly 60,000 kg, and the programme was to be doubled in size.[25] Diet[edit] Because high blood sugar caused by poorly controlled diabetes can lead to a plethora [en.wikipedia.org]
Gastrointestinal
- Nausea
Fluid retention (edema) Chlorpropamide Low sodium in blood Glimepiride Dizziness Headache Glipizide Diarrhea Nausea Low blood count (anemia) Glipizide, extended release Diarrhea Nausea Glyburide Indigestion Micronized glyburide Indigestion Tolazamide [msdmanuals.com]
[…] of adipokines Weight gain Edema Cardiac failure Increased risk of bone fractures (osteoporosis) Congestive heart failure Liver failure Amylin analogs (pramlintide) Reduce glucagon release Reduce gastric emptying Increase satiety Risk of hypoglycemia Nausea [amboss.com]
Signs and Symptoms at the beginning of the syndrome include increased thirst and urination, dry mouth, nausea, fever, weight loss, and weakness. [chrisdudley.org]
[…] with type 1 diabetes—whether it’s been diagnosed or not—may experience one or more of the following: Sweating and shaking Blurry vision Poor coordination Dizziness or feeling lightheaded Difficulty concentrating Feeling anxious or irritable Hunger or nausea [jdrf.org]
Due to its delaying effects on gastric emptying, the major side effects are GI complaints of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
- Choking
If you lose consciousness or can't swallow: You shouldn't be given fluids or food, which could cause choking You need an injection of glucagon — a hormone that stimulates the release of sugar into the blood You need emergency treatment in a hospital if [mayoclinic.org]
How to treat someone who's unconscious or very sleepy (drowsy) Follow these steps: Put the person in the recovery position and do not put anything in their mouth – so they do not choke. [nhs.uk]
Consider using a tongue depressor, a pen, or anything else as long as it does not pose a choking hazard. If the person is unconscious, prioritize, and call 911. [chrisdudley.org]
Do NOT: Inject insulin (it will lower the person's blood glucose even more) Provide food or fluids (they can choke) Causes of low blood glucose Low blood glucose is common for people with type 1 diabetes and can occur in people with type 2 diabetes taking [diabetes.org]
Cardiovascular
- Palpitations
Hypoglycemia unawareness: A complication of diabetes in which the patient is unaware of a deep drop in blood sugar because it fails to trigger the secretion of epinephrine which generates the characteristic symptoms of hypoglycemia (such as palpitations [medicinenet.com]
The percentage of participants who have experienced hypoglycaemia who know the following symptoms (sweatiness, shivering, hunger, weakness, palpitations, anxiety, confusion, visual disruption, light-headedness, convulsion, headache, inability to concentrate [endocrine-abstracts.org]
This serves two purposes: The β-effect of epinephrine is responsible for the palpitations and tremors, giving the patient warning that hypoglycemia is present. [en.wikipedia.org]
Symptoms such as confusion, shakiness, and heart palpitations usually accompany a hypoglycemic episode. Often, you can self-treat by consuming a carbohydrate-rich snack, and then measuring your blood sugar level. [healthline.com]
Neurogenic manifestations include tachycardia, palpitations, anxiety, tremor, sweating, and hunger. [health.am]
- Tachycardia
Therefore, beta-blockers are not able to inhibit sweating, but can still inhibit tachycardia and tremors, thus "masking" important signs and symptoms that diabetic patients use to recognize hypoglycemic episodes. [ebmconsult.com]
The clinical presentation of hypoglycemia includes autonomic symptoms ( i .e., hunger, sweating, tachycardia ) and signs of glucose shortage in the brain ( i .e., confusion, behavioral changes, somnolence ). [amboss.com]
After percutaneous nephrolithotomy, his condition deteriorated with fever (37.8℃), tachycardia (130/min), acute renal failure, pleural effusion, and pulmonary edema. [dbpia.co.kr]
Neurogenic manifestations include tachycardia, palpitations, anxiety, tremor, sweating, and hunger. [health.am]
The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia are: Lethargy Change in mood Nausea Strange behavior Tachycardia Hypertension Anxiety Sweating Emergency Management Should a patient experience hypoglycemia, the following steps should be taken: Recognize and acknowledge [dentalcare.com]
- Orthostatic Hypotension
Patients with disabling orthostatic hypotension may be treated with salt tablets, support stockings, or fludrocortisone. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Skin
- Sweating
[…] only be able to recognize sweating as a sign of a hypoglycemic episode. [ebmconsult.com]
Hypoglycemia unawareness: A complication of diabetes in which the patient is unaware of a deep drop in blood sugar because it fails to trigger the secretion of epinephrine which generates the characteristic symptoms of hypoglycemia (such as palpitations, sweating [medicinenet.com]
The clinical presentation of hypoglycemia includes autonomic symptoms ( i .e., hunger, sweating, tachycardia ) and signs of glucose shortage in the brain ( i .e., confusion, behavioral changes, somnolence ). [amboss.com]
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Symptoms of hypoglycemia include the following: Sweating Rapid pulse Shakiness, dizziness, weakness Decreased coordination Difficulty concentrating Blurred vision Headache Trouble performing routine tasks Note: Symptoms can vary [visionaware.org]
Symptoms include: Shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat Change in vision Hunger Headache Sudden moodiness As the term implies, low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when your brain and body are not getting enough sugar. [dtc.ucsf.edu]
Neurologic
- Dizziness
However, people with type 1 diabetes—whether it’s been diagnosed or not—may experience one or more of the following: Sweating and shaking Blurry vision Poor coordination Dizziness or feeling lightheaded Difficulty concentrating Feeling anxious or irritable [jdrf.org]
Weakness and dizziness were the most common symptoms, and dizziness, shaking, and excessive hunger were commonly the first symptom of presentation. [ijem.in]
Hunger, tiredness, dizziness, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, trembling and weakness were the most common symptoms felt by participants when they develop hypoglycemia. [bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentral.com]
Hypoglycemia symptoms can include: Shakiness Nervousness or anxiety Sweating, chills, or clamminess Irritability or impatience Dizziness and difficulty concentrating Hunger or nausea Blurred vision Weakness or fatigue Anger, stubbornness, or sadness For [cdc.gov]
Symptoms Early warning signs and symptoms Early signs and symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia include: Shakiness Dizziness Sweating Hunger Irritability or moodiness Anxiety or nervousness Headache Nighttime symptoms Diabetic hypoglycemia can also occur [mayoclinic.org]
- Headache
The percentage of participants who have experienced hypoglycaemia who know the following symptoms (sweatiness, shivering, hunger, weakness, palpitations, anxiety, confusion, visual disruption, light-headedness, convulsion, headache, inability to concentrate [endocrine-abstracts.org]
Symptoms of mild or moderate hypoglycemia include headache, sweating, palpitations, light-headedness, blurred vision, agitation, and confusion. Symptoms of more severe hypoglycemia include seizures and loss of consciousness. [msdmanuals.com]
Symptoms include: Shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat Change in vision Hunger Headache Sudden moodiness As the term implies, low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when your brain and body are not getting enough sugar. [dtc.ucsf.edu]
Symptoms Early warning signs and symptoms Early signs and symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia include: Shakiness Dizziness Sweating Hunger Irritability or moodiness Anxiety or nervousness Headache Nighttime symptoms Diabetic hypoglycemia can also occur [mayoclinic.org]
Signs and symptoms include pale, clammy skin, rapid and weak breathing, tachycardia or fast pulse, weakness, headache, and confusion. The person may appear intoxicated. [chrisdudley.org]
- Tremor
Therefore, beta-blockers are not able to inhibit sweating, but can still inhibit tachycardia and tremors, thus "masking" important signs and symptoms that diabetic patients use to recognize hypoglycemic episodes. [ebmconsult.com]
This serves two purposes: The β-effect of epinephrine is responsible for the palpitations and tremors, giving the patient warning that hypoglycemia is present. [en.wikipedia.org]
Neurogenic manifestations include tachycardia, palpitations, anxiety, tremor, sweating, and hunger. [health.am]
Autonomic symptoms Increased sympathetic activity: tremor, pallor, anxiety, tachycardia, sweating, and palpitations Increased parasympathetic activity: hunger, paresthesias, nausea, and vomiting Neuroglycopenic symptoms Agitation, confusion Behavioral [amboss.com]
Note also that beta-blockers, particularly nonselective beta-blockers, can cause hypoglycemic unawareness by reducing the adrenergic symptoms of hypoglycemia-like tremor and palpitations. [uspharmacist.com]
- Difficulty Concentrating
However, people with type 1 diabetes—whether it’s been diagnosed or not—may experience one or more of the following: Sweating and shaking Blurry vision Poor coordination Dizziness or feeling lightheaded Difficulty concentrating Feeling anxious or irritable [jdrf.org]
Hypoglycemia symptoms can include: Shakiness Nervousness or anxiety Sweating, chills, or clamminess Irritability or impatience Dizziness and difficulty concentrating Hunger or nausea Blurred vision Weakness or fatigue Anger, stubbornness, or sadness For [cdc.gov]
Signs that your blood sugar is too low may include: Racing pulse Cold sweats Pale face Headache Feeling incredibly hungry Shivering, feeling weak in the knees Feeling restless, nervous or anxious Difficulty concentrating, confusion The severity of these [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Symptoms of hypoglycemia include the following: Sweating Rapid pulse Shakiness, dizziness, weakness Decreased coordination Difficulty concentrating Blurred vision Headache Trouble performing routine tasks Note: Symptoms can vary [visionaware.org]
- Slurred Speech
These include: Clumsiness or jerky movements Muscle weakness Difficulty speaking or slurred speech Blurry or double vision Drowsiness Confusion Convulsions or seizures Unconsciousness Death Take your symptoms seriously. [mayoclinic.org]
speech or clumsiness (like being drunk) feeling sleepy seizures or fits collapsing or passing out A low blood sugar level, or hypo, can also happen while you're sleeping. [nhs.uk]
This can lead to blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, confused thinking, slurred speech, numbness, and drowsiness. If blood glucose stays low for too long, starving the brain of glucose, it may lead to seizures, coma, and very rarely death. [diabetes.org]
Lack of glucose to the brain can cause trouble concentrating, changes in vision, slurred speech, lack of coordination, headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness. Hypoglycemia can also cause changes in emotions and mood. [diabetesselfmanagement.com]
Workup
The appropriate workup and management of recurrent hypoglycemia is discussed in each case. [patientcareonline.com]
Workup Approach Considerations Search for a source of infection. [emedicine.medscape.com]
• Some patients have symptoms but normal blood glucoses; they need no further workup, in spite of their insistence. 20. [slideshare.net]
Urine
- Ketonuria
IV Diabetic Keto acidosis: Characteristics- Results- Decreased insulinsensitivity or absent insulin> Glucose unavailable for cellular metabolism> Fats broken down to fatty acids> glycerol in fat converted by liver to ketones excess ketones in: urine "ketonuria [chegg.com]
Children with hyperglycemia and ketonuria but without acidosis or dehydration may be started on 0.5-0.7 U/kg of intermediate-acting insulin and subcutaneous injections of 0.1 U/kg of regular insulin at 4- to 6-hour intervals. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Serum
- Insulin Decreased
The risk of hypoglycemia increases as endogenous insulin decreases and the patient must rely on insulin injections ( McCall, 2014 ) making those with type 1 diabetes much more likely to experience hypoglycemia than their type 2 counterparts. [journals.lww.com]
Treatment
Previous studies have examined whether intensive treatment of high blood glucose levels could decrease the risk of these events. Hypoglycemia can occur as a result of intensive treatment of T2D. [medivizor.com]
Evidence Intensive DM treatment is associated with a greater risk of hypoglycemia. [elsevier.es]
6 In conditions other than diabetes, glucose/dextrose supplementation is typically used for initial treatment, but other short-term and long-term treatments are necessary as well. [uspharmacist.com]
Treatment involves short-term solutions — such as taking glucose tablets or drinking fruit juice — to raise your blood sugar into a normal range. Untreated, diabetic hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness — a medical emergency. [mayoclinic.org]
Prognosis
Hypoglycemia The prognosis of hypoglycemia depends on the cause, severity, and duration. The prognosis is excellent if identified and treated early. If left untreated, hypoglycemia leads to seizures or unconsciousness. [chrisdudley.org]
The prognosis for a person with this health condition is estimated to be a life expectancy of 10 years less than a person without diabetes. [medicinenet.com]
Because of this patient’s poor prognosis, she did not undergo imaging studies to further delineate her pituitary status. [patientcareonline.com]
"Stress hyperglycemia and prognosis of stroke in nondiabetic and diabetic patients: a systematic overview". Stroke. 32 (10): 2426–32. doi:10.1161/hs1001.096194. PMID 11588337. ^ a b Umpierrez, Guillermo E.; Pasquel, Francisco J. (2017). [en.wikipedia.org]
Etiology
Abstract In patients with hypoglycemia, the etiologic diagnosis depends on an interpretation of the response of the blood sugar to various provocative tests, usually including the administration of glucose, tolbutamide, L-leucine, and a prolonged fast [annals.org]
Undetectable C-peptide concentrations during 3 separate episodes of hypoglycemia excluded endogenous hyperinsulinism, such as caused by insulinoma, as the etiology of recurrent hypoglycemia ( 3 ). [clinchem.aaccjnls.org]
References: [1] Etiology Clinical features Symptoms of hypoglycemia normally present at approx. 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L) ; however, this threshold is variable. [amboss.com]
Etiology and Pathophysiology Loss of hormonal counterregulatory mechanism in glucose metabolism Too little food (skipping or delaying meals), decreased CHO intake Too much insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent (improper dose, timing, or erratic absorption [unboundmedicine.com]
Case 4: Elderly Woman With Insulinoma One of the most commonly discussed etiologies for non-diabetic hypoglycemia, insulinoma, has been conspicuous thus far by its absence. It is an uncommon cause of hypoglycemia, but nonetheless an important one. [patientcareonline.com]
Epidemiology
ALERT Hypoglycemia unawareness Major risk factor for severe hypoglycemic reactions Most commonly found in patients with long-standing T1DM and children age Epidemiology Incidence From the ACCORD study, the annual incidence of hypoglycemia was the following [unboundmedicine.com]
The association between symptomatic, severe hypoglycaemia and mortality in type 2 diabetes: retrospective epidemiological analysis of the ACCORD study. BMJ 2010; 340: b4909. 32. Nordin C. [diabetesincontrol.com]
However, it continues to be a neglected complication with very limited epidemiological data in our country. [ijem.in]
Diabetes Epidemiology Research International Group. Geographic patterns of childhood insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Epidemiology Research International Group. Diabetes. 1988 Aug. 37(8):1113-9. [Medline]. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Epidemiologic evidences suggest that unless effective preventive measures are implemented the global prevalence will continue to rise [ 2 ]. [jdmdonline.biomedcentral.com]
Pathophysiology
DEVELOPMENT: After reviewing the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients we will review the role of hypoglycemia in three clinical situations: the hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure, the brain effects of hypoglycemia in children and [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
This is video 1 of 2 on diabetic ketoacidosis (pathophysiology and signs of diabetic ketoacidosis / DKA): 0:08 DKA stats 0:47 DKA - cellular anatomy 1:00 mitochondria 1:48 beta-oxidation 2:30 insulin function 3:08 pyruvate 3:19 diabetes mellitus type [youtube.com]
Hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes: pathophysiology, frequency, and effects of different treatment modalities. Diabetes Care 2005;28:2948-61. Kjekshus J, Gilpin E, Cali G et al. Diabetic patients and beta-blockers after acute myocardial infarction. [ebmconsult.com]
Etiology and Pathophysiology Loss of hormonal counterregulatory mechanism in glucose metabolism Too little food (skipping or delaying meals), decreased CHO intake Too much insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent (improper dose, timing, or erratic absorption [unboundmedicine.com]
Prevention
Prevention To help prevent diabetic hypoglycemia: Don't skip or delay meals or snacks. If you take insulin or oral diabetes medication, be consistent about the amount you eat and the timing of your meals and snacks. Monitor your blood sugar. [mayoclinic.org]
If NPO, parenteral supplementation should continue to prevent hypoglycemia. [uspharmacist.com]
The prevention of hypoglycemia requires some principles consideration. [jdmdonline.biomedcentral.com]
PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HU Prevention of HU Prevention of HU is an important part of modern day intensive diabetes therapy. To prevent HU, the goal is the complete avoidance of hypoglycemia, which is very difficult to achieve[105]. [wjgnet.com]
It is not possible to prevent type 1 diabetes. A healthful diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and attending screening can help to prevent type 2. [medicalnewstoday.com]