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Insulin hypoglycaemia management — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyEndocrine TherapeuticsInsulin hypoglycaemia managementGPhC CRA

A 33-year-old man with type 1 diabetes feels shaky and sweaty in the pharmacy. His capillary glucose on his own meter is 3.2mmol/L. He is conscious, can swallow and uses insulin aspart with insulin glargine. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: E — Take fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck glucose after 10 to 15 minutes

A conscious patient with hypoglycaemia should take fast-acting carbohydrate, then recheck and repeat if needed. Longer-acting carbohydrate may be needed after recovery depending on the next meal and insulin timing. Diet drinks do not contain sufficient carbohydrate. Extra rapid-acting insulin would worsen hypoglycaemia.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Diabetes type 1