Hypoglycemia overview

Hypoglycemia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hypoglycemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Hypoglycemia overview On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hypoglycemia overview All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hypoglycemia overview
CDC on Hypoglycemia overview
Hypoglycemia overview in the news
Blogs on Hypoglycemia overview
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hypoglycemia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hypoglycemia overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Hypoglycemia is a medical term referring to a pathologic state produced by a lower than normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. No single glucose value alone serves to define the medical condition termed hypoglycemia for all people and purposes. Although 60 or 70 mg/dL (3.3 or 3.9 mmol/L) is commonly cited as the lower limit of normal glucose, different values (typically below 40, 50, 60, or 70 mg/dL) have been defined as low for different populations, clinical purposes, or circumstances.

Historical Perspective

The term hypoglycemia literally means "under-sweet blood" (Gr. hypo-, glykys, haima).

Risk Factors

Hypoglycemia is relatively common in persons with diabetes.

Treatment

Surgery

Surgical removal of the overactive part of the pancreas is curative with minimal risk when hyperinsulinism is focal or due to a benign insulin-producing tumor of the pancreas. When congenital hyperinsulinism is diffuse and refractory to medications, near-total pancreatectomy may be the treatment of last resort, but in this condition is less consistently effective and fraught with more complications.

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources