Symptoms and causes of hypoglycaemia



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Symptoms:

Adrenergic overactivity (sympathetic symptoms):

•Palpitations

•Pallor

•Sweating

•Nausea

•Tremor

•Anxiety

•Dilated pupils

Neurological symptoms (insufficient glucose in CNS)

•Confusion

•Difficulty in concentrating

•Slurred speech

•Personality change

•Double vision

•Seizures

•Hunger

•Coma

Causes:

Increased activity / reduced food intake / increased insulin administration / concomitant alcohol administration / excess dose of sulphonylureas especially longer acting ones such as chlorpropamide or glibenclamide when used in the elderly.