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• GJF
  • Joint Wound Care Formulary
  • . . . Introduction
  • 1. Gastro-Intestinal System
  • 2. Cardiovascular System
  • 3. Respiratory System
  • 4. Central Nervous System
  • 5. Infections
  • 6. Endocrine System
    • 6.1 Drugs used in diabetes
      • 6.1.1 Insulin
      • 6.1.2 Antidiabetic Drugs
      • 6.1.3 Diabetic ketoacidosis
      • 6.1.4 Treatment of hypoglycaemia
    • 6.2 Thyroid and antithyroid drugs
    • 6.3 Corticosteroids
    • 6.4 Sex hormones
    • 6.5 Hypothalamic and pituitary hormones and anti-oestrogens
    • 6.6 Drugs affecting bone metabolism
    • 6.7 Other endocrine drugs
  • 7. Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Urinary Tract Disorders
  • 8. Malignant Disease and Immunosuppresion
  • 9. Nutrition and Blood
  • 10. Musculoskeletal and Joint Disease
  • 11. Eye
  • 12. Ear, Nose and Oropharynx
  • 13. Skin
  • 14. Immunological products and vaccines
  • 15. Anaesthesia
  • Appendix 1. Drugs for emergency use in General Practice
  • Appendix 2. Palliative Care
  • Appendix 3. Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS)
  • Appendix 4. Gluten-free and cow's milk protein-free products
  • Medicines No Longer included in the GJF
  • Medicines not recommended for use in NHS Grampian
• eGJF
• Medicines Management
• Policies
• News Letters
• Shared Care Protocols
• Patient Group Directions

6.1.4 Treatment of hypoglycaemia

Acute hypoglycaemia

Acute hypoglycaemia is treated by the immediate administration of glucose.

Refer to the Grampian Guidelines for the Management of Diabetes for further details on treatment [link, Full guidance, Website].

Preparations used include:

• Dextrose tablets
• Glucose 40% oral gel
• Glucagon (injection kit)
• Glucose intravenous (10%, 20%, 50%).

Chronic hypoglycaemia

Diazoxide (50mg tablets) is used in the management of patients, with chronic hypoglycaemia from endogenous insulin secretion. It has no place in the management of acute hypoglycaemia.

PAEDIATRIC NOTES - TREATMENT OF HYPOGLYCAEMIA

Lucozade, other sugary drinks, and a variety of glucose tablets are readily available oral treatments for moderate hypoglycaemia.
For moderate to severe hypoglycaemia, when liquid may cause choking, glucose 40% oral gel, may be rapidly effective and preclude the need for glucagon or intravenous glucose.
Glucagon may be used in the hypoglycaemic child and neonate. Note half dose (500micrograms) of Glucagon in children less than 25kg.
Glucose 10% infusion is is used to treat severely hypoglycaemic children as per APLS instructions.

A combination of diazoxide and chlorothiazide is used in the management of chronic hypoglycaemia due to excessive insulin secretion.

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