[Neurological effects of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients].
BACKGROUND
The pharmacological treatment of diabetes is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemic events affect the quality of life of patients and can lead to long-term neurological consequences.


OBJECTIVE
To review the neurological effects of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.


METHODS
After reviewing the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients we will review the role of hypoglycemia in three clinical situations: the hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure, the brain effects of hypoglycemia in children and the relationship of hypoglycemia and cognitive decline in older patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Apart from acute and severe neurological damages that can occur in cases of prolonged hypoglycemia, repeated episodes of hypoglycemia are associated with other deleterious neurological effects. Frequent episodes can weaken the counter-regulatory responses to subsequent episodes of hypoglycemia, increasing the risk of severe hypoglycemia and can lead to long-term consequences in cognitive functions in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or young children.
Hospital General Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Espana.
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Caballero-Corchuelo
D000368:Aged; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D011788:Quality of Life
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents