Hypoglycemia

Taylor MuehlsteinJosh MoyJinju LeeCharles Ortiz Period 3Table 7

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.

Mild SymptomsThe typical signs of low sugar levels:

Trembling/shakiness

Sweating

Anxiety

Irritability

Pallor (face goes pale)

Heart palpitations (unregulated pattern)

Tingling lips

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)

DemographicsOccurs most often in people with Types 1 or

2 diabetes

Occurs in men, women, children, the elderly, and even pets

Not race specific

Genetically dependent (referring to genetic diabetes

Causes of HypoglycemiaIt most commonly happens when a person with

diabetes has taken too much insulin

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

Insulin

Glucagon

Alchohol

TreatmentsCheck your blood sugar often, if below

70mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) stabilize it by eating:

3-4 glucose tablets

Half of cup of a non diet soft drink

1 cup of milk

5 or 6 pieces of hard candy

Measurements may vary for children

Doctor may also have a treatment plan, meal plan, medications or physical activities

Diet: DO’sSix meals a day with snack in between

Keep a daily account of what you eat

Eliminate unhealthy foods: sugar, alcohol, tobacco

Keep blood sugar stable

Replace junk food with nutritious

and wholesome foods:

vegetables, fruits, and lean meat are preferred

Diet: DONT’sDo not panic

Don’t forget to eat breakfast

Everyone's body is different, don’t compare

Don’t obsess about your diet

Don’t drink excessive alcohol

PreventionChecking blood glucose levels - keep a regular

check on blood sugar levels and identify the onset of symptoms.

Eat regularly - keep to your eating routine.

Alcohol - a heavy drinking session can trigger hypoglycemia; If you have diabetes type 1 keep to within the daily alcohol limits recommended by your doctor, and eat something

Exercise - make sure you have eaten some carbohydrate-rich food before you do any exercise.

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.

ID - if you have diabetes, carry an ID form. In case of emergency, health care providers, emergency services, and others will know what to do sooner.

ComplicationsLiver disease and/or failure which leads to Jaundice

(the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and other parts of the body due to waste build-up.)

Insomnia-liver failure causes a build-up of urea and increases tension.

Seizures (involuntary convulsions)

Complications cont.Retrograde amnesia (cannot remember things

before the injury)

Comatose state (state of unconsciousness due to a severely lowered blood glucose level

Death

Citations Symptoms

Mathur , R. M. F., & Schiel Jr., W. C. (2008, 21 10). Medicinenet. 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/diabetic-

Complications

Farver, A. F. (2009, June 2). Hypoglycemic complications. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetic-

Preventions

Rickers, F. (2008). National diabetes information clearinghouse. Retrieved from http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia/

Treatments

Thomas, P. (2010, January 12). Mayo clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypoglycemia/DS00198/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

Citations Cont. Causes

Davey, D. P. (16, February 20). Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in non-diabetic people. Retrieved from http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/bloodsugarlow.htm

Diet

Erickson, O. (2004, May 12). Hypoglycemic diet. Retrieved from http://hypoglycemia.org/hypoglycemia-diet

Pictures

Hypoglycemia!. (1999). Retrieved from http://www.hemorrhoidinformationcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Hypoglycemia-Information-Graphic.jpg