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Sulfonylurea hypoglycaemia — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyEndocrine TherapeuticsSulfonylurea hypoglycaemiaGPhC CRA

A 72-year-old man takes gliclazide 80mg twice daily. He comes to the pharmacy sweating and confused; his capillary glucose is 3.1mmol/L. He is conscious and able to swallow. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: C — Give 15g to 20g fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck glucose

This is symptomatic hypoglycaemia in a patient taking a sulfonylurea. If the patient can swallow safely, fast-acting carbohydrate should be given and glucose rechecked after around 10 to 15 minutes. Longer-acting carbohydrate may then be needed, and recurrent episodes require prescriber review.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS