Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia is defined by Whipple’s triad, (source 1) as being when symptoms match that of hypoglycaemia, a low plasma glucose concentration, and cessation of symptoms upon the increase of plasma glucose concentration (source 4). Clinically, hypoglycaemia is stated to be when the plasma glucose level is 2.8 mmol/l or less (Source 2).

The symptoms of hypoglycaemia include but are not limited to, lethargy, anxiety, tremor, nausea and confusion. (Source 3). Hypoglycaemia in adults without diabetes mellitus is rare, however (source 1), it can onset for a variety of reasons, these include adrenal insufficiency, nonislet cell tumour and hepatic failure. (Source 2).

Source 1 = Hawthorne G.H, (2012), Diabetes Care for the Older Patient, Springer-Verlag London, [Online], available at http://link.springer.com.libproxy.ncl.ac.uk/book/10.1007%2F978-0-85729-461-6 (last accessed 23/10/2015)

Source 2 = Hypoglycemia. [Updated 2015 Apr 12]. In: De Groot LJ, Beck-Peccoz P, Chrousos G, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-.Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279137/

Source 3 = American Diabetes Association (2015) Hypoglycemia Low Blood Glucose, http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html?referrer=https://www.google.co.uk/ (23/10/2015)

Source 4 = Defining and Reporting Hypoglycemia in Diabetes: A report from the American Diabetes Association Workgroup on Hypoglycemia, Diabetes Care, May 2005, 28:5, 1245-1249