Mr. Zhou, 59 years old, was treated in the second ward of the Department of Neurology, Tianxin Ge Hospital, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital for two days due to recurrent paroxysm.
Before admission, the patient repeatedly showed unresponsiveness, family members noticed that his communication ability was reduced, he was unable to recall what had happened before, and he was accompanied by symptoms such as systemic cold sweat and blurred vision, and each episode lasted about 20
minutes before self-resolution.
After admission, the patient experienced the above symptoms again, and the blood glucose test was performed immediately, and the result was 1.7mmol/L (normal value is 3.9 to 5.6mmol/L). Medical staff immediately carried out an emergency sugar increase, blood sugar levels rose to 4.6mmol/L, and symptoms
subsequently eased.
After a detailed consultation, it was learned that the patient was diagnosed with diabetes six months ago and increased the dose of hypoglycemic drugs on his own, which led to the occurrence of this symptom. The patient was diagnosed with severe hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic encephalopathy. After a period of standardized treatment and careful nursing, the patient has recovered and been discharged from hospital.
Zhang Yao, deputy chief physician of the second ward of the Department of Neurology, said that diabetes is a chronic disease, and many patients need to rely on hypoglycemic drugs to control blood sugar levels. However, improper drug dosages, unreasonable drug combinations, and incorrect diet and exercise habits
can all lead to hypoglycemia.
Usually, hypoglycemia is diagnosed when a diabetic’s blood sugar level is less than 3.9mmol/L. When hypoglycemia attacks, patients often feel dizziness, inattention, memory loss, fatigue, fluster, hand shaking, sweating and hunger symptoms, and even severe brain dysfunction, manifested as blurred vision, slurred speech, abnormal behavior, hemiplegia, coma and so on. If left untreated, it can cause permanent brain damage and even be life-threatening.
Zhang Yao, deputy chief physician, reminded that the prevention of hypoglycemia should develop good living habits:
Follow your doctor’s advice
The doctor will develop a personalized medication regimen based on the patient’s individual situation, including blood sugar level, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver and kidney function, complications and other factors. Patients should strictly follow the doctor’s guidance, on time, according to the amount, according to the method of taking drugs.
Master the knowledge of drug characteristics and hypoglycemia
Patients should take the initiative to understand the mechanism of action, effective time, peak time of action, duration and possible adverse reactions of hypoglycemic drugs used. In the use of insulin, sulfonylurea, glienide drugs, especially need to be vigilant about the occurrence of hypoglycemia.
Monitor and record blood sugar regularly
Regular monitoring of blood sugar is the key to adjusting the dose of hypoglycemic drugs and preventing hypoglycemia. The recording of fasting blood glucose, blood glucose 2 hours after three meals and blood glucose before going to bed can help doctors to fully understand the blood glucose control of patients, so as to formulate a more reasonable treatment plan.
Eat regularly and exercise moderately
Patients are advised to eat regularly and quantitatively to avoid overeating or excessive dieting. You can carry emergency food such as candy and cookies with you to replenish energy in time when symptoms of hypoglycemia occur. Choose the right type and intensity of exercise according to your condition.
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