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Hypoglycemia

While we were watching the movie, The Leopard, at the Brattle Theatre the other night, I became aware of some thrashing sounds on the other side of the theatre. In a couple more moments Jonathan got up, as did several other people, to investigate. There was a man obviously in distress banging fitfully with his legs against the seat in front and, even from my distance, looking to be in some sort of seizure. People found some sugar pills in his clothing and by the time the fire department rescue squad showed up, the man was up on his feet and able to walk out. Seems very likely to have been an "insulin shock" or "hypoglycemia".

Here is some more info on this topic:

Latinized form of Gk. elements hypo- "under" + glykys "sweet" + haima "blood."

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It occurs when someone has too much insulin or not enough glucose in the blood. It can also be caused by too much exercise. In addition, alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, or liquor can cause blood sugar to drop. Hypoglycemia is also called insulin shock or insulin reaction in a diabetic.

Hypoglycemia is very uncommon in people without diabetes. Low blood sugar is more common in people taking insulin than in those who are using pills to manage their diabetes. It rarely happens when diabetes is being treated by diet alone and without medications. Everyone with diabetes should know how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to treat hypoglycemia.

Early symptoms are:

• shakiness
• sweating
• hunger
• dizziness
• blurry vision and
• poor concentration

If untreated, the patient may develop:

• headache
• confusion
• mood changes and
• coma or seizure

Blood sugar levels should be checked when any of these symptoms are experienced. If the blood sugar level cannot be checked right away, you should treat for possible hypoglycemia. Always carry high-sugar snacks that can be used to treat the condition.

Self-treatment can include eating or drinking:

• 6 ounces of regular soda
• 5 or 6 lifesaver candies
• 3 glucose tablets, available at any drugstore

CALL 911 FOR EMERGENCY HELP, IF A KNOWN DIABETIC IS UNCONSCIOUS AND UNABLE TO BE AWAKENED. In less severe reactions, after self-treatment, the person should feel better in about 15 minutes. If it is more than an hour before the patient is due to eat the next meal, a snack (such as a peanut butter sandwich) should be eaten.

from http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/diabetes/diab4396.html

09/28/04