Question

A 67-year-old man with type 2 diabetes on gliclazide presents to his GP clinic feeling shaky and sweaty. Capillary glucose is 2.8 mmol/L. He is conscious, oriented and able to swallow normally. According to Australian first-aid and diabetes guidance, what is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Give approximately 15 g of fast-acting oral carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or sugary drink, and recheck glucose in 10-15 minutes

Answer

Administer 1 mg glucagon intramuscularly immediately

Answer

Call an ambulance and withhold any oral intake until paramedics arrive

Answer

Give a long-acting carbohydrate snack only, such as a sandwich, with no initial fast-acting carbohydrate

Answer

Advise him to omit food and wait for his glucose to rise spontaneously

Practice question