What is considered severe hypoglycemia?

Severe hypoglycemia is defined as having low blood glucose levels that requires assistance from another person to treat. Severe hypoglycemia is classed as a diabetic emergency and is a complication that can occur in people with diabetes that take insulin and certain anti-diabetic tablets.

How do hospitals treat hypoglycemia?

When symptoms occur, early treatment involves having the patient eat simple carbohydrate. In an NPO (nothing by mouth) patient, viable alternatives for treating early hypoglycemia include giving an intravenous (IV) bolus of 50% dextrose, or, if absent an IV, giving intramuscular glucagon.

What is a standard hypoglycemia protocol?

A key element of all hypoglycemia management protocols is to treat the patient with 15–20 g of glucose and to follow with a recheck of the blood glucose level 15 minutes later, sometimes called the “15-15 rule” or the “Rule of 15” (15–18).

How long does it take to recover from severe hypoglycemia?

Conclusions: These results suggest that, in general, recovery from any acute cognitive decrement after severe hypoglycemia was complete by 1.5 days.

What is the 15 15 rule in diabetes?

For low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL, raise it by following the 15-15 rule: have 15 grams of carbs and check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it’s still below your target range, have another serving. Repeat these steps until it’s in your target range.

What does severe hypoglycemia feel like?

Most people will feel the effects and symptoms of low blood sugar when blood glucose levels are lower than 50 mg/dL. Symptoms and signs include nervousness, dizziness, trembling, sweating, hunger, weakness, and palpitations. Severe cases may lead to seizures and loss of consciousness.

How do you treat an unconscious patient with hypoglycemia?

If hypoglycaemia causes unconsciousness, or the patient is unco-operative. Intravenous administration of 75-80 ml 20% glucose or 150-160 ml of 10% glucose (the volume will be determined by the clinical scenario).

What IV fluids is best for hypoglycemia?

Concentrated IV dextrose 50% (D50W) is most appropriate for severe hypoglycemia, providing 25 g of dextrose in a standard 50-mL bag. It is recommended to administer 10 to 25 g (20-50 mL) over 1 to 3 minutes.

Is there a cure for hypoglycemia?

Another effective natural cure of hypoglycemia is bilberry. Many doctors suggest the intake of bilberry extracts as it greatly aids in controlling the level of insulin in the body. This makes it a perfect solution for treating all the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

How do you treat hypoglycemia?

Treatment of hypoglycemia is by eating foods high in simple sugars or taking dextrose. If a person is not able to take food by mouth, an injection of glucagon may help. The treatment of hypoglycemia unrelated to diabetes includes treating the underlying problem as well and a healthy diet.

What medications can cause hypoglycemia?

Medications that can cause hypoglycemia include: insulin glimepiride (Amaryl) glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL) glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase) nateglinide (Starlix) repaglinide (Prandin)

What is the cure for low blood sugar?

One very effective natural cure for low blood sugar is licorice. This herb has a mild sweet taste and helps increase the blood sugar level in the body. Drink a cup of licorice root tea whenever you experience symptoms of low blood sugar.