Hypoglycemia

Presented by
Farse Ghabayen
 OBJECTIVES
• Define the hypoglycemia.

• Identify the signs , symptom and causes.

• Explain the management.

• Nursing management
 ?What is it
A person with systematically low levels of
blood glucose (sugar) has hypoglycemia.
Glucose is the body's main energy source.
Hypoglycemia is not a disease in itself- it
is the result of an underlying issue or
combination of them.
 Mild Symptoms
Trembling/shakiness

Sweating

Anxiety

Irritability

Pallor.

Heart palpitations.

Headache.
 Severe Symptoms
When the hypoglycemia is more severe the
following signs or symptoms are possible:
Concentration problems
Confusion
Irrational and disorderly behavior (similar to
somebody who is drunk)
Seizures (uncommon)
Loss of consciousness (uncommon)
 Causes of Hypoglycemia
It most commonly happens when a person with
diabetes has taken too much insulin.
Exercise without proper food intake.
Skipping meals
Lack of glucagon (hormone that is secreted from the
pancreas that raises blood glucose levels)
Excessive alcohol consumption: drinking heavily can
block liver from releasing stored glucose
Tumor of pancreas known as an Insulinoma
 Management
Check blood sugar often, if below 70mg/dl (milligrams
per deciliter) stabilize it by eating.
Full conscious patient: 1- oral glucose , sucrose or any sugar
containing fluid.
Patient mental function:

•1- IV 50% dextrose 25 – 50 ml or as much as possible until patient

mental state recover.
•2- If hypoglycemia is caused by long acting insulin continue 10%
dextrose drip for 24 hr. – 48 hr.
•3- Glucagon 1 mg IM , SC can be given to treat severe
hypoglycemia if IV accesses difficult.
 Prevention
Checking blood glucose levels - keep a
regular check on blood sugar levels and
identify the onset of symptoms.
Eat regularly - keep to your eating
routine.
Exercise - make sure you have eaten
some carbohydrate-rich food before you
do any exercise.
 .Preventions cont
Be ready - children with diabetes type 1
should always carry a container of sugary fruit
juice or a candy bar so that they are ready if
symptoms are felt.

Let people know - if you are susceptible to

attacks of hypoglycemia, let your friends,
colleagues and family members know. Explain
what the signs are and what should be done.
Nursing Diagnoses

Risk for Altered Cerebral Tissue Perfusion related to inadequate glucose supply to the
brain

Nursing Intervention

1. Administer fast-acting sugar containing food/drink i.e. orange juice or candy.

2. check blood sugar level on the onset of symptoms and recheck again after
treatment within 15to 30 minutes (until the blood sugar level is within or more
100 mg/dl

2/24/12
 Conclusion
• 1- Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by
abnormally low level of blood sugar.

• 2- More serious to be treated fast.

• 3- Continues monitoring of the hypoglycemia patient.

• 4- Diabetic patient should informed to take food in

the time.