Notes for: Treatment Of HypoglycaemiaLast edited [11/05/2012 10:43:56]
Guidelines for the management of hypoglycaemia for adults where peripheral glucose < 4 mmol / L:
Please refer to the BNF for paediatric doses.
If conscious give 10 - 20 grams of oral glucose. Note that 10 grams of oral glucose is: 100 mL of fruit juice OR 55 mL of lucozade OR 90 mL of Coca Cola (not diet) OR 5 mL (to be diluted) of Ribena (original) OR 2 - 3 teaspoons of glucose powder, dissolved in a non milky drink OR 2 - 3 teaspoons of sugar, dissolved in a non milky drink.
If the patient is Nil By Mouth: Glucogel squeezed into the side of the mouth. Rubbing the cheek can aid absorption. Repeat peripheral blood glucose in 10 minutes and repeat treatment if peripheral glucose is < 4 mmol / L
If semi-conscious or comatose give i/v injection of 50 mL of 10% glucose. Give further i/v injection 50 mL of 10% glucose every minute until the glucose is > 4 mmol / L
OR give 1 mg of glucagon s/c or i/m. Repeat peripheral blood glucose in 10 minutes and repeat glucagon administration if peripheral glucose is < 4 mmol / L.
Note that glucagon may be ineffective in episodes of hypoglycaemia precipitated by the ingestion of alcohol.