An insightful presentation on issue of Hypoglycaemia in patients of Diabetes Mellitus with focus on causes, symptoms and management. Also find included experience based inputs on issue of vehicle driving and hypoglycaemia
22. HYPOglycemia = LOW Glucose
(sugar)
Onset:
• sudden, must be treated immediately
• may progress to unconsciousness if not treated
• can result in brain damage or death
DMMP should specify signs and action steps at each
level of severity:
• mild
• moderate
• Severe
DMMP – Diabetes Medical Management Plan
22
23. Hypoglycemia: Risks &
Complications
Early recognition and intervention can prevent an
emergency
Greatest immediate danger
Not always preventable
Impairs cognitive and motor functioning
23
24. Mild/Moderate Hypoglycemia: What to do
Intervene promptly:
• Check blood glucose if meter is available.
• If no meter is available, treat immediately, on the spot.
• NEVER send the patient with suspected low blood
glucose anywhere alone
• When in doubt, always treat. If untreated may progress
to more serious events.
• Consider “Rule of 15”
24
25. “Rule of 15”
General guidelines:
• Have the patient to eat or drink fast acting carbs (15g)
• Check blood glucose 10-15 minutes after treatment
• Repeat treatment if blood glucose level remains
low or if symptoms persist
• If symptoms continue, call physician
25
26. Quick Acting Glucose for
Mild/Moderate Hypoglycemia
Treatment for Lows: 15 g Carbohydrate
• 4 oz. fruit juice
• 15 g. glucose tablets (3-4 tablets)
• 1 tube of glucose gel
• 4-6 small hard candies
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey
• 6 oz. regular (not diet) soda (about half a can)
• 3 tsp. table sugar
• One-half tube of cake mate
26
46. Hypoglycaemia and driving
Safe driving requires constant integration of mental integration of mental functions,
includes:
Visual and auditory processing,
Motor skills;
Reasoning, logic or problem solving
1st symptoms of hypoglycaemia appears when blood glucose < 70 mg/dl
Varies from person to person
Hypoglycaemia causes nervousness, tremors, tiredness, confusion and retarded
mental functions
Functions, mainly affected by hypoglycemia include:
Rapid decision making,
Sustained attention,
Analysis of complex visual stimuli
Hand-eye coordination
47. Precautions to be taken:
Avoid driving if possible
Do not drive alone
Measure blood glucose level before driving and no drive if it is below
5 mmol/L (90 mg/dL)
Frequently recheck blood glucose levels when on long journey (2 hourly)
Always carry rapid acting carbohydrate eg. Glucose sachets
If BG < 90 mg/dL or symptoms of hypoglycaemia, discontinue driving
and consume rapid acting carbohydrate
Not to drive till 30 to 45 min after restoration of blood glucose
To carry “I am a diabetic” card and emergency contact no. and stick “I
am a diabetic” stickers on car with emergency contact no.