Hypoglycemia

Management

• If conscious, orientated, and able to swallow
  • Give 15–20g of quick-acting carbohydrate snack (e.g. 200mL orange juice)
  • Recheck blood glucose after 10–15mins (repeat snack up to 3 times).
• If conscious but uncooperative
  • squirt glucose gel between teeth and gums.
• If unconscious patients, or those not responding to these measures
  • Start glucose IVI (e.g. 10% at 200mL/h if conscious; 10% at 200mL/15mins if unconscious)
  • Or give glucagon 1mg IV/IM (will not work in malnourished patients).
  • Expect prompt recovery
  • Once blood glucose >4.0mmol/L and patient has recovered, give long-acting carbohydrate (e.g. slice of toast).