Hypoglycemia overview
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Hypoglycemia Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Hypoglycemia overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of 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).
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hypoglycemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Hypoglycemia is relatively common in people with diabetes.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
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
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.