Hypoglycemia & Hyperglycemia

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE HYPOGLYCEMIA:

• Hunger
• Weakness
• Confusion (incoherence)
• Pallor
• Anxiety (agitation, belligerance)
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Tachycardia

In severe cases the following can be present:

• Hypotension
• Hypothermia
• Seizures (tonic or clonic movements)
• Unconsciousness

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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS:

• Deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul's respiration)
• Nausea (with or without vomiting)
• Abdominal pain
• Disorientation (coma in severe cases)
• Dehydration (dry oral and nasal mucosas)

In severe cases the following can be present:

• Tachycardia
• Hypotension
• Generalized swelling of the skin.

Comparing the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia with those of diabetic ketoacidosis it can be seen that disorientation (confusion), tachycardia and hypotension are common to both of them. Therefore, it is emphazised once more that it is of utmost importance for the dentist to know if the patient has a history of hypoglycemic attacks and either, have a glucometer in the office, or ask the patient to bring his/her own glucometer to monitor blood glocose levels