The treatment of hypoglycemia is aimed at identifying treatable and/or modifiable causes, followed by strategies for prevention and risk reduction. Important factors to consider in prevention include patient awareness of hypoglycemia, individualized glucose targets, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), diet, and exercise, and medication regimen.
A mild case of hypoglycemia can be treated through eating or drinking 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrates such as glucose tablets, sweets, sugary fizzy drinks, or fruit juice. Some people with diabetes may also need to take 15–20 g of slower-acting carbohydrates if the next meal is not due. A blood test should be taken after 15–20 min to check whether blood glucose levels have recovered.
For severe cases, the American Diabetes Association provides various preventive measures for those assisting patients who lose consciousness during a severe hypoglycemic event. Blood glucose level monitoring is important to prevent or reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Selecting the appropriate regimen for patients with diabetes based on hypoglycemia risk is necessary to maintain good glycemic control. Insulin, sulfonylurea, and meglitinides increase the insulin level in a glucose-independent manner.
On the other hand, glucose-lowering agents such as biguanides, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, thiazolidinediones, and amylin analogs are considered in a glucose-dependent manner. The use of newer antidiabetic medications with little or no risk of hypoglycemia will reduce the future risk of severe hypoglycemia.
The peripheral or central IV solution containing dextrose is administered in case of a hypoglycemic patient’s unconsciousness, seizures, or altered mental status. Glucagon is the first-line treatment for severe hypoglycemia in insulin-treated patients with diabetes, as it is the primary counter-regulatory hormone to insulin.
The hormone is secreted by the pancreas and acts to maintain glucose production through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. The glucagon can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. This can prevent the delay in commencing treatment, reducing the need for hospitalization, and providing reassurance for patients and their caregivers.
Source:- Severe Hypoglycemia Market Research
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