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Hypoglycaemia — DIPIMC MCQ

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EasyMedical EmergenciesHypoglycaemiaDIPIMCDipIMC

A known insulin-treated diabetic is found drowsy and confused with a capillary glucose of 2.1 mmol/L. He is able to swallow safely and follow simple commands. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

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

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Correct answer: E — Give a sugary drink or glucose tablets

In a hypoglycaemic patient who is conscious and can swallow safely, the first-line treatment is fast-acting oral carbohydrate, followed by a longer-acting carbohydrate once the glucose recovers. Intravenous glucose and intramuscular glucagon are reserved for those who cannot take oral treatment or are unconscious. Withholding treatment at this level is unsafe. Pearl: recheck the glucose after about ten to fifteen minutes and repeat treatment if it remains low.

Reference: JRCALC Clinical Guidelines