Hypoglycemia.
Under physiologic conditions, glucose plays a critical role in providing energy to the central nervous system. A precipitous drop in the availability of this substrate results in dramatic symptoms that signal a medical emergency and warrant immediate therapy aimed at restoring plasma glucose to normal levels. A systemic approach to the differential diagnosis is useful in identifying the cause of hypoglycemia. Once established, a specific and/or definitive intervention that addresses that underlying problem can be implemented. In most cases, this systemic approach to diagnosis and therapy is rewarded with a good outcome for the patient.
Guettier
Jean-Marc
JM
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. guettierj@mail.nih.gov
Gorden
Phillip
P
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
D001786:Blood Glucose