Severe hypoglycemia

High urgency
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It is a drop in blood glucose level below 30 mg/dl.

There are multiple causes including: an error in insulin administration, a coexisting disease and an excess in glucose consumption coinciding with low carbohydrate intake.

The most frequent symptoms include dizziness, tremor, sweating, tachycardia, tingling, confusion, altered vision, and decreased level of consciousness.

The diagnosis is obtained by analyzing the concentration of glucose in a drop of blood, obtained by puncturing a fingertip.

In cases of severe hypoglycemia where there is loss of consciousness, it will be necessary to administer glucose intravenously. Diabetic patients may have an intramuscular medication called glucagon which allows raising blood glucose levels from hepatic synthesis.

If you are a diabetic, it is important that those closest to you know how to act in the event of a hypoglycemic episode.

Bibliographic references
  1. D. Figuerola. Diabetes mellitus. Hipoglucemia. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 1920:1923.
  2. P. E. Cryer, S. N. Davis. Hipoglucemia. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Decimonovena edición. 2430:2433.
  3. MedlinePlus. Rockville. 2017. Hipoglucemia; [citado el 10 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/hypoglycemia.html
  4. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Hypoglycemia in adults: Clinical manifestations, definition, and causes; [citado el 10 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/hypoglycemia-in-adults-clinical-manifestations-definition-and-causes?source=search_result&search=hipoglucemia+severa&selectedTitle=2~150
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Blood glucose levels at 50 mg/dl or less


    Blood glucose below 60 mg/dL


    Palpitations


    Diminished state of consciousness

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Consume fruit juice or sweet foods that raise blood sugar levels.
If you are disoriented, call the emergency services.