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Hypoglycemia

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Endocrine Emergencies

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is common in insulin, sulfonylurea, or glinide-treated diabetes where it is typically the result of the interplay of therapeutic insulin excess and compromised physiological and behavioral defenses against falling glucose levels. It is uncommon in the absence of diabetes where it is most commonly caused by drugs including alcohol among many others. Hypoglycemia is suggested by neurogenic (autonomic) and neuroglycopenic symptoms and signs of sympathoadrenal activation. It is confirmed by documentation of a low plasma glucose concentration with resolution of symptoms and signs after the glucose level is raised. In the short term, it is treated with oral carbohydrate, subcutaneous glucagon, or intravenous glucose. In the long term, it is prevented by correction of its original cause.

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Acknowledgments

The author’s original work cited was supported, in part, by the National Institutes of Health grants R37 DK27085, MO1 RR00036 (now UL1 RR24992), P60 DK20579, and T32 DK07120 and by a fellowship award from the American Diabetes Association. Ms. Janet Dedeke, the author’s assistant, prepared this manuscript.

The author has served as a consultant to Novo Nordisk in the past year. He does not receive research funds from, hold stock in, or speak for any pharmaceutical or device firm.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Philip E. Cryer

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  1. Philip E. Cryer
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Correspondence to Philip E. Cryer .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Lynn Loriaux

  2. Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Chaim Vanek

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Cryer, P.E. (2021). Hypoglycemia. In: Loriaux, L., Vanek, C. (eds) Endocrine Emergencies. Contemporary Endocrinology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67455-7_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67455-7_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-67454-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-67455-7

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