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Definition Return to top
Hypoglycemia is when the levels of a sugar called glucose are too low in the blood. This can be caused by the medication used to treat diabetes.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Even when diabetes is managed very carefully, the medications used to treat diabetes can result in episodes of drug-induced hypoglycemia. Medication-induced hypoglycemia can also be caused by improper management of diabetes. Missing meals, overexertion, and intentional or unintentional overdose of medications used to treat the condition can all cause blood glucose levels to drop.
Medications that can cause hypoglycemia include insulin and sulfonylureas. Newer drugs for diabetes such as metformin (Glucophage) can also cause hypoglycemia when used in combination with sulfonylureas. The condition may also occur when a nondiabetic individual takes insulin or a sulfonylurea drug.
Other drugs such as pentamidine can also occasionally induce hypoglycemia. Rarer causes of low blood glucose include the use of quinidine, quinine, beta-blocker drugs, MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant), Bactrim (an antibiotic), and haloperidol.
Symptoms Return to top
Regardless of cause, hypoglycemia is defined by what physicians call "Whipple's triad":
Symptoms of acute hypoglycemia may be more pronounced than for chronic hypoglycemia. Symptoms of chronic hypoglycemia can include ataxia (movement difficulties), convulsions, and altered consciousness.
Signs and tests Return to top
Signs of hypoglycemia may include:
Tests may show:
Treatment Return to top
Treatment consists of administration of glucose. In addition, a diabetic's treatment regimen should be reviewed to avoid further problems.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Short-term prognosis is favorable if hypoglycemia is detected and treated. However, chronic and repeated episodes of hypoglycemia may damage the brain and nerves.Complications Return to top
Complications of severe or prolonged hypoglycemia include neurologic damage, convulsions, and coma.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hypoglycemia and be sure to mention any medications you believe may be associated with the condition.Prevention Return to top
Prevention for diabetics includes monitoring of blood glucose at home and appropriate attention to diet and routine, particularly if symptoms occur. In addition, it is important to discuss any planned changes of diet, exercise, travel, weight, or routine with your health care provider. The treatment regimen can then be adjusted in advance to prevent hypoglycemia. Update Date: 6/2/2003 Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review by Todd T. Brown, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (7/24/2002).
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |