Hypoglycemia

Symptoms 

Symptoms compatible with hypoglycemia occur:

1. through activation of the sympathetic nervous system and result in uncomfortable adrenergic symptoms posing no danger for the patient
2. through cerebral shortage of glucose supply and may result in serious and debiliating neurological (neuroglycopenic) symptoms.
general symptoms
nausea, dizziness, collapse, weight gain
adrenergic symptoms
sweating, tremor, palpitations, tachycardia, agitation, nervosity, hunger
neuroglycopenic symptoms
impairment of consciousness, mental concentration, vision, speech, memory, blurred vision, fatigue, seizures, paralyses, ataxia, loss of consciousness, aggressive behaviour

Typical clinical situations in patients suspected of hypoglycemia

1.
 history of suspicious symptoms
blood glucose unknown
2.
 history of suspicious symptoms
blood glucose "low"
3.
 history of suspicious symptoms
blood glucose normal
4.

no history of symptoms

blood glucose by chance: "low"
5.
 history of typical symptoms
proof of hypoglycemia and relief of symptoms by carbohydrate intake: "Whipple`s triad"