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June 18, 2000

Hypoglycemia

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Question from Tennessee, USA:

My son, Type 1, had a extreme hypoglycemic episode around 3 A.M. Orange juice and glucagon did nothing to raise his blood sugar levels. I finally rushed him to the ER. During the hours of 3 A.M. until 7 A.M., he was incoherent and weepy even though his sugar read 200. The doctors could not explain this and referred him to a neurologist, who could not explain it either. Even his pediatric endocrinologist could give no explanation of why he was “out of it” for such a long period of time. Have you ever heard of an episode lasting for four to six hours before coherency returns?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Disorientation for many hours after a hypoglycemic episode is not unusual. In a child, though, with the potential to affect cognitive development, it emphasizes the need to try to prevent any recurrence. This involves developing a profile of blood sugars throughout the twenty four hours with an assessment of the effects of diet, exercise and insulin on blood sugar levels followed by a careful assessment of the existing regimen with the diabetes care team.

DOB
Additional comments from Dr. Bill Quick:

Your son’s situation might well be clarified by monitoring sugar levels continuously for several days to try to sort out what’s happening in more detail. See The Continuous Glucose Monitoring System.

WWQ