skip to main content

Hypoglycaemia management — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyEndocrine TherapeuticsHypoglycaemia managementGPhC CRA

A patient with type 1 diabetes collects insulin aspart cartridges and insulin glargine pens. He reports sweating, tremor and capillary glucose 3.2mmol/L while waiting in the pharmacy. He is conscious and able to swallow. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Give fast-acting carbohydrate now and recheck glucose after 10 to 15 minutes

This is symptomatic hypoglycaemia. If the patient is conscious and able to swallow, immediate treatment with fast-acting carbohydrate is appropriate, followed by rechecking glucose and longer-acting carbohydrate if needed. Insulin would worsen hypoglycaemia. Glucagon is generally reserved for severe hypoglycaemia when oral treatment is not possible or is ineffective.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Diabetes type 1