Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when a person's blood glucose levels drop below normal. Mild symptoms include trembling, sweating, and irritability, while more severe symptoms can include confusion, irrational behavior, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Hypoglycemia is commonly caused by too much insulin in diabetics, lack of food after exercise or alcohol consumption, and tumors of the pancreas. Treatment depends on severity, ranging from oral glucose for mild cases to IV glucose or glucagon injections for more serious situations. Prevention involves regular blood sugar monitoring, eating regularly, and being prepared with fast-acting carbohydrates when engaging in exercise.

1. Hypoglycemia
Presented by :
SSN: Ali Ahmed
On 25 – 09 – 2012

3. What is it
?
A person with systematically low levels of
blood glucose (sugar) has hypoglycemia.
Glucose is the body's main energy source.
Hypoglycemia is not a disease in itself- it is
the result of an underlying issue or
combination of them.

4. Mild Symptoms
.Trembling/shakiness
Sweating
Anxiety
Irritability
Pallor.
Heart palpitations.
Headache.

5. Severe Symptoms
When the hypoglycemia is more severe the
following signs or symptoms are possible:
Concentration problems
Confusion
Irrational and disorderly behavior (similar to
somebody who is drunk)
Seizures (uncommon)
Loss of consciousness (uncommon)

6. Causes of Hypoglycemia
It most commonly happens when a person with
diabetes has taken too much insulin.
Exercise without proper food intake.
Skipping meals
Lack of glucagon (hormone that is secreted from the
pancreas that raises blood glucose levels)
Excessive alcohol consumption: drinking heavily can
block liver from releasing stored glucose
Tumor of pancreas known as an Insulinoma

7. Insulin
Glucagon
Alchohol

8. Management
Check blood sugar often, if below 70mg/dl
(milligrams per deciliter) stabilize it by eating.
Full conscious patient: 1- oral glucose , sucrose or any
sugar containing fluid.
Patient mental function:
1- IV 50% dextrose 25 – 50 ml or as much as possible
until patient mental state recover.
2- If hypoglycemia is caused by long acting insulin
continue 10% dextrose drip for 24 hr. – 48 hr.
3- Glucagon 1 mg IM , SC can be given to treat severe
hypoglycemia if IV accesses difficult.

9. Prevention
Checking blood glucose levels - keep a regular
check on blood sugar levels and identify the
onset of symptoms.
Eat regularly - keep to your eating routine.
Exercise - make sure you have eaten some
carbohydrate-rich food before you do any
exercise.

10. Preventions cont
.
Be ready - children with diabetes type 1 should
always carry a container of sugary fruit juice or a
candy bar so that they are ready if symptoms are felt.
Let people know - if you are susceptible to attacks of
hypoglycemia, let your friends, colleagues and family
members know. Explain what the signs are and what
should be done.

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Concolution :
1- Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by
abnormally low level of blood sugar.
2- More serious to be treated fast.
3- Continues monitoring of the hypoglycemia
patient.
4- Diabetic patient should informed to take food
in the time.

12. REFERANCE
 Mathura , R. M. F., & Schiel Jr., W. C. (2008, 21 10). Medicine net. Retrieved
from http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/article.htm
 Robin, S. R. (1999). Hypoglycemic diabetes. Rydner. DOI: Farver, A. F. (2009,
June 2). Hypoglycemic complications. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabet
 Rickers, F. (2008). National diabetes information clearinghouse. Retrieved
from http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia/
 Thomas, P. (2010, January 12). Mayo clinic. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypoglycemia/DS00198/DSECTION=treat
ments-and-drugs

13. REFERANCE CON
Davey, D. P. (16, February 20). Hypoglycemia (low blood
glucose) in non-diabetic people. Retrieved from
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/bloodsugarlow.ht
m
Hypoglycemia!. (1999). Retrieved from
http://www.hemorrhoidinformationcenter.com/wp-
content/uploads/2009/12/Hypoglycemia-Information-
Graphic.jpg

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