זיהוי וטיפול בהיפוגליקמיה באנגלית

Dear patient,

Below you will find information on hypoglycemia.

If you have any questions, please contact the treatment staff.

Best wishes!

Diabetes Unit

What is hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a drop in the blood glucose level to low values, usually less than 70 mg/dL, and usually accompanied by corresponding symptoms.

Hypoglycemia has 3 main stages:

Level 1 hypoglycemia – the patient is able to self-manage, the glucose values ​​will be below 70 mg/dL but above 54 mg/dL.

Signs are: feeling shaky, hunger, anxiety, sweating and/or fast heartbeat

Intervention is needed to correct hypoglycemia regardless of the severity of symptoms.

Level 2 hypoglycemia – the patient is able to self-manage. Glucose levels are lower than 54 mg/dL. Signs are: headaches, stomach aches, behavioral changes, confusion, sleepiness, weakness, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, restlessness and/or mild disorientation.

This situation requires immediate intervention to correct the situation!

Level 3 hypoglycemia – the patient is unable to self-manage. There is a change in the patient's state of consciousness or damage to the patient's physical functioning, and another person must intervene in order to correct the glucose levels.

The signs are: loss of consciousness and occasionally seizures and even death.

Note: the signs of hypoglycemia (such as: sweating and rapid pulse) are obscured during swimming. Therefore, blood glucose should be monitored more often when swimming.

Please note!

A patient whose glucose values ​​are usually high may experience symptoms even when the glucose values ​​are slightly above 70 mg/dL.

An event that includes the relevant symptoms should be treated, even if the glucose level is slightly above 70, as a hypoglycemic event.

What is the treatment for hypoglycemia? (In any state of full consciousness)

Consume 15 grams of an available carbohydrate such as: half a glass of sweet beverage (not diet), 3 packets of sugar, each packet contains 5 grams of available sugar = 1 teaspoon of sugar, a tablespoon of jam or a tablespoon of honey, which can be mixed with half a glass of water to drink.

Wait 10 to 15 minutes

Measure blood glucose again: if the level continues to drop, consume another 15 grams of available carbohydrate and wait another 15 minutes.

Eat 15 grams of a complex carbohydrate such as: sandwich or a substitute equivalent to two slices of bread.

The addition of a complex carbohydrate will prevent recurrence of the hypoglycemia after the effect of the available carbohydrate has worn off.

How to act in a situation of severe hypoglycemia accompanied by loss of consciousness?

It's important to remember

In a situation of severe hypoglycemia accompanied by loss of consciousness – first call for help

In this situation, glucagon should be injected by a family member or friend.

The use of glucagon does not require a medical staff member.

It is prohibited to put food or drink into the mouth in any state of loss of consciousness or semi-consciousness.

The glucagon kit is administered as a life-saving emergency kit.

What does the glucagon kit include?

The kit includes: a pre-filled syringe with a solution and a vial containing the glucagon powder at a dose of 1 mg.

How to use the glucagon kit?

Take the cap off the vial and remove the cover of the needle with the pre-filled solution.

Plunge the needle into the rubber stopper on the top of the vial and carefully inject the solution inside.

When the syringe and vial are connected, gently shake the vial to mix it until the powder is completely dissolved in the solution.

After the powder is completely dissolved, turn the needle and the vial over and pull back the entire contents of the vial.

(For a child under the age of 8 or weighing less than 25 kg, inject 0.5 mg, half the amount according to the line marked on the syringe).

Injection site: intramuscular injection into the patient's front thigh.

Side effects: nausea and vomiting. Therefore, the patient should be placed on their side.

Recovery: Expected within 10 to 15 minutes.

Medical help: It is very important to instruct family members to call for medical help even after using glucagon.

Storage: at room temperature, no need to keep refrigerated.

Expiration: appears on the packaging – make sure you always have a valid kit in your possession.

It is important to determine the reasons that caused severe hypoglycemia accompanied by loss of consciousness as soon as possible.

Important Information:

Most cases of hypoglycemia can be prevented by following a few rules:

Glucose values ​​should be monitored, preferably with a continuous glucose meter with alerts

Follow the principles of proper nutrition and receive personal guidance from a dietitian

Always carry an available carbohydrate

Inform family members and relatives about the signs of hypoglycemia and instruct them on how to act in this case

Availability of Glucagon kit

Wishing you good health!

Written by: Tehila Harel – Diabetes nurse specialist, diabetes coordinator

Bat El Shalem –Diabetes nurse coordinator

Prof. Avivit Cohen – Physician, Diabetes Unit

Approved by: Prof. Gil Leibowitz – Director of the Diabetes Unit, Department of Endocrinology

The information in this publication is intended for education only and does not constitute a medical opinion and under no circumstances does it replace professional medical advice. All rights reserved to Hadassah ©. Do not photocopy, duplicate and use commercially without written approval from Hadassah. 2024. Additional Hadassah information sheets are available for review on its website: www.hadassah.org.il