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Sulfonylurea hypoglycaemia — RACP Written MCQ

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HardClinical PharmacologySulfonylurea hypoglycaemiaRACP Written

A 72-year-old man on gliclazide is found confused and sweating after missing meals. Capillary glucose is 2.1 mmol/L. He improves after intravenous dextrose but recurrent hypoglycaemia occurs 2 hours later. What is the most likely cause?

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

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Correct answer: E — Sulfonylurea-induced insulin secretion

Sulfonylureas stimulate endogenous insulin release and can cause prolonged or recurrent hypoglycaemia, particularly after missed meals or renal impairment.

Reference: AMH; Therapeutic Guidelines: Toxicology and drug-interaction principles