title: Outcomes of hypoglycemia treated by standardized protocol in a community hospital.
abstract: Hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes was treated by a standardized protocol in a 300-bed community hospital. Patient outcomes were studied retrospectively using data from medical records. Hypoglycemia was defined as a blood glucose level below 80 mg/dL when symptoms were present, or 60 mg/dL regardless of symptoms. Treatment consisted of 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate repeated every 15 minutes until the blood glucose level was above 80 mg/dL. The blood glucose level was then rechecked one hour after treatment. Data from 179 episodes were evaluated. In 153 (85%) cases, the blood glucose levels were within the target range (80-200 mg/dL) at the conclusion of treatment. In 135 (76%) cases, the blood glucose level at one hour following treatment was within the same target range.
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Gaston
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates