Hypoglycaemia
Treating a hypo, sulfonylurea and insulin hypos, impaired awareness and driving, and working up hypoglycaemia in someone without diabetes (Whipple triad, insulin and C-peptide).
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Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- In diabetes, hypoglycaemia is a treatment side effect, mainly of insulin and sulfonylureas. It is the commonest diabetes emergency.
- Without diabetes, only investigate if the Whipple triad is met. Most patients with vague post-meal symptoms don't have true hypoglycaemia.
- Treat first, then find out why. In a non-diabetic patient, take a sample during the hypo if you can, because it holds the diagnosis.
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Sources
- Evaluation and management of adult hypoglycemic disorders: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelineEndocrine Society (Cryer et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009;94:709-28), 2009
- Management of individuals with diabetes at high risk for hypoglycemia: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelineEndocrine Society (McCall et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023;108:529-62), 2023
- 6. Glycemic goals and hypoglycemia: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026American Diabetes Association (Diabetes Care 2026;49 Suppl 1), 2026
- Assessing fitness to drive for commercial and private vehicle drivers (diabetes mellitus chapter)AU/NZAustroads and National Transport Commission
- Diabetes (Therapeutic Guidelines)AU/NZTherapeutic Guidelines Ltd
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy