Question

A 72-year-old man with type 2 diabetes on insulin is found drowsy and sweaty with capillary blood glucose of 2.4 mmol/L. He is confused but able to swallow safely. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Oral rapid-acting carbohydrate such as glucose tablets or sugary drink, followed by longer-acting carbohydrate

Answer

Intravenous 50% dextrose bolus

Answer

Oral long-acting carbohydrate alone

Answer

Stop insulin and observe without treatment

Answer

Intramuscular glucagon is first-line in all cases

Practice question

A 72-year-old man with type 2 diabetes on insulin is found drowsy and sweaty with capillary blood glucose of 2.4 mmol/L. He is confused but able to swallow safely. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?