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Hypoglycemia: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention

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Abstract

Hypoglycemia is one of the most common complications of diabetes and a major limiting factor in the glycemic management of diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and long-standing type 2 diabetes (T2D) have altered counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia, which puts them at risk for recurrent hypoglycemia and developing hypoglycemia unawareness. Acute hypoglycemia is associated with increased morbidity, impacts quality of life, and can even be fatal. Severe hypoglycemia should be treated promptly and should be followed by drastic changes in patient’s therapy and lifestyle. Optimal glycemic control while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia is possible by applying the principles of aggressive therapy and practicing hypoglycemic risk reduction.

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Further Reading

    Books

    • Davis SN, Lamos EM, Younk LM. Chapter 47 Hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic syndromes. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, editors. Endocrinology: adult and pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016. p. 816–838e8.

      Chapter  Google Scholar 

    T1D and Hypoglycemia

    • Little SA, Leelarathna L, Barandse SM, Walkinshaw E, Tan HK, Solomon L, et al. Severe Hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus: underlying drivers and potential strategies for successful prevention. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2014;30:175–90.

      Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

    Physiology and Pathophysiology of Hypoglycemia

    Insulins and Hypoglycemia

    • Little S, Shaw J, Home P. Hypoglycemia rates with basal insulin analogs. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2011;13(Suppl 1):S53–64.

      Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

    Pancreas Transplantation

    HRS: Hypoglycemia Risk Score

    Hypoglycemia in ACCORD, ADVANCE, and VADT

    • Skyler JS, Bergenstal R, Bonow RO, Buse J, Deedwania P, Gale E, Howard B, et al. Intensive glucose control and the prevention of cardiovascular events: implications of the ACCORD, ADVANCE, and VA diabetes trials: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association and a scientific statement of the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2009;119:351–7.

      Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

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    Faradji, R.N., Uribe-Wiechers, A.C., de la Maza, E.S. (2023). Hypoglycemia: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention. In: Rodriguez-Saldana, J. (eds) The Diabetes Textbook. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25519-9_45

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