Management of Hypoglycaemia

Author: Ellen F Jones / Editor: Ellen F Jones / Reviewer: Sue Maurice, Tadgh Moriarty / Code: O7Published: 04/06/2021

Description:

Hypoglycaemia is easily diagnosed and treated in Emergency Departments (EDs), if it is considered. In this session we will look at the presentation, causes and treatment options available.

After completing this session you will be able to:

  • Describe the regulatory responses which maintain normal glucose levels and the response to hypoglycaemia
  • Recognise the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia
  • Understand the causes of hypoglycaemia and factors affecting response to treatment
  • Evaluate the factors which contribute to the presentation of, and response to treatment of hypoglycaemia

References:

  1. NICE Guidance NG17, Type 1 Diabetes in adults: Diagnosis & Management. Aug 2015. Updated July 2016
  2. Department of Health. National Service Framework for diabetes. Management of diabetic emergencies.
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  17. Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care. The Hospital Management of Hypoglycaemia in Adults with Diabetes Mellitus, 3rd edition. JBDS-IP. Revised February 2018.
  18. Strachan, M. W. J. 2014. Frequency, causes and risk factors for hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes. In: Frier, B. M., Heller, S. R. & Mccrimmon, R. J. (eds.) Hypoglycaemia in clinical diabetes. 3rd ed. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
  19. Bodmer M, Meier C, Krahenbuhl S et al., Metformin, Sulfonylureas, or Other Antidiabetes Drugs and the Risk of Lactic Acidosis or Hypoglycaemia. A nested case-control analysis. Diabetes Care 31:2086-2091, 2008.
  20. Donnelly, L. A., Morris, A. D., Frier, B. M., et al., & Collaboration, D. M. 2005. Frequency and predictors of hypoglycaemia in Type 1 and insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes: a population-based study. Diabet Med, 22, 749-55.

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