(1)
Missed or delayed meals and/or snacks.
(2)
Over exertion or strenuous exercise.
(3)
Excessive vomiting.
(4)
Insulin overdose.
b. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include the following. Onset may be
quite sudden.
(1)
Pale, cool, clammy skin.
(2)
Cold sweat.
(3)
Nervousness, trembling.
(4)
Dizziness.
(5)
Weakness, fatigue.
(6)
Tachycardia.
(7)
Hypertension.
(8)
Hunger, often quite sudden.
(9)
Low blood sugar level.
(10) Small urine output (oliguria).
(11) Urine frees of sugar and acetone.
c. Pathophysiology.
(1) The symptoms of hypoglycemia are a reflection of the effects of a low
blood glucose level upon the central nervous system, along with the release of
epinephrine.
(2) Decreasing uptake of glucose by the CNS and lowered utilization of
oxygen by the brain will result in permanent damage to CNS neurons.
(3) The primary factor in prevention of the problems of hypoglycemia is
early recognition of the symptoms. Initiation of treatment can eliminate the reaction and
its consequences.
MD0918
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