From the Guidelines
The immediate treatment for hypoglycemia in a 38-year-old male is to consume 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This can be achieved by drinking 4 ounces (120 mL) of fruit juice or regular soda, eating 4-5 glucose tablets, consuming 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar, or having 8 ounces of milk. After taking these carbohydrates, the individual should wait 15 minutes and recheck blood glucose levels. If blood sugar remains below 70 mg/dL, the treatment should be repeated. Once blood glucose returns to normal, the person should eat a small snack containing both carbohydrates and protein if their next meal is more than an hour away. This approach works because fast-acting carbohydrates are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, raising blood glucose levels rapidly. For severe hypoglycemia where the person is unconscious or unable to swallow safely, bystanders should not attempt to give oral treatments but instead administer glucagon if available (via injection or nasal spray) and call emergency services immediately, as suggested by recent guidelines 1. Some key points to consider in the treatment of hypoglycemia include:
- The importance of quick action to raise blood glucose levels
- The need for repeated treatment if hypoglycemia persists
- The role of glucagon in severe cases
- The value of carrying fast-acting carbohydrates at all times to treat unexpected hypoglycemic episodes. It's also worth noting that prevention is critical, and self-monitoring of blood glucose, as well as education about times when hypoglycemia may be more likely, such as during or after exercise, or during sleep, can help prevent hypoglycemic episodes 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION 2. 1 Important Administration Instructions for Using the Glucagon Emergency Kit for Low Blood Sugar to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia
Administer Glucagon for Injection as soon as possible when severe hypoglycemia is recognized Immediately after reconstitution, inject the solution subcutaneously or intramuscularly in the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks The recommended dosage is 1 mg (1 mL) injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks, or intravenously
The immediate treatment for hypoglycemia in a 38-year-old male is to administer 1 mg (1 mL) of glucagon subcutaneously or intramuscularly in the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks, or intravenously, as soon as possible when severe hypoglycemia is recognized.
- Call for emergency assistance immediately after administering the dose.
- When the patient has responded to the treatment and is able to swallow, give oral carbohydrates to restore the liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia 2.
From the Research
Immediate Treatment for Hypoglycemia
The immediate treatment for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in a 38-year-old male involves several steps:
- Administering an intravenous dextrose bolus to quickly raise blood glucose levels 3
- Maintaining blood glucose concentration between 5.5 and 11 mmol/L through intravenous dextrose infusion 3
- In cases of sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia, using octreotide to prevent insulin secretion and maintain euglycaemia after initial correction with intravenous dextrose 3
Prevention of Hypoglycemia
Prevention strategies include:
- Frequent small meals with deletion of refined carbohydrate and increased protein intake for postprandial hypoglycemia 4
- Modern pharmaceutical options with a safer profile in terms of hypoglycemia, such as novel basal insulins and ultra-rapid-acting insulin analogs 5
- Continuous glucose monitoring and sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy with low glucose suspend technology 5
- Insulin-responsive glucagon delivery methods, such as microneedle-array patches, for prevention of hypoglycemia 6
Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia
Certain factors increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including: