Recently a lady of 80 years, a known Diabetic on OHAs brought to my clinic in a semi conscious state. The blood sugar by finger tip method using glucose strip and glucometer was 39 mgs. Immediately she was admitted and became alright. Another lady of 70 years with Diabetes on OHAs was drowsy and found to have 38 mgs.
Immediately a sweetened liquid of 200 ml with six small candies given.After half an hour, blood sugar became 91 mgs. These two cases denote that hypoglycemia may be presenting with variable symptoms for almost same very low readings.Oral therapy should be tried if patient is conscious and can prevent admission and IV Dextrose and is most economical. Alertness by relatives is very important for early diagnosis.Ageing brain may behave differently for hypoglycemia is also to be understood. In previous cases with 48 to 49 mgs when the age is fifty years no specific symptoms in…
