Volume 1 number 1 Summer 2003
Special issue for the abstracts of the 7th Pan Arab Conference on Diabetes
PACD7 , 25 – 28 March 2003 Cairo

Abstract Number : 90
HYPOGLYCEMIA

Amira Elsayed , USA

Hypoglycemia occurs most commonly as a result of treating patients with diabetes mellitus. However, a number of other disorders, including insulinoma, large mesenchymal tumors, end-stage organ failure,alcoholism, endocrine deficiencies, postprandial reactive hypoglycemic conditions, and inherited metabolic disorders, are also associated with hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is sometimes defined as a plasma glucose level <2.5 to 2.8 mmol/L (<45 to 50 mg/dL). However, the glucose thresholds for hypoglycemia-induced symptoms and physiologic responses vary widely, depending on the clinical setting. Therefore, Whipple's triad provides an important framework for making the diagnosis of hypoglycemia: (1) symptoms consistent with hypoglycemia, (2) a low
plasma glucose concentration, and (3) relief of symptoms of the plasma glucose level is raised. Hypoglycemia can cause significant morbidity and can be lethal, if severe or prolonged; it should be considered in and patient who presents with confusion, altered level of consciousness, or seizures.

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