Hypoglycaemia

Subject – Science and Tech

Context – Doctors see post-COVID hypoglycaemia among patients

Concept –

Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, is a fall in blood sugar to levels below normal, typically below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L).
Hypoglycemia may result in headache, tiredness, clumsiness, trouble talking, confusion, fast heart rate, sweating, shakiness, nervousness, hunger, loss of consciousness, seizures, or death.
- Symptoms typically come on quickly.
The most common cause of hypoglycemia is medications used to treat diabetes such as insulin, sulfonylureas, and biguanides.
Risk is greater in diabetics who have eaten less than usual, recently exercised, or consumed alcohol.
Hypoglycemia is treated by eating a sugary food or drink, for example glucose tabs or gel, apple juice, soda, or candy. The person must be conscious and able to swallow.The goal is to consume 10-20 grams of a carbohydrate to raise blood glucose levels to a minimum of 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L).