Background
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) often occurs as an adverse effect of antidiabetic drugs. It manifests as activation of the sympathetic nervous system with sweating, palpitations, nausea, tremors, and even unconsciousness and coma. At the first signs of hypoglycemia, the patient should immediately consume 24 to 36 g of glucose (corresponding to 2-3 bread units; 1 BE = 12 g of carbohydrate). Glucose can be chewed by the patient in solid form (DextroEnergen, Synergy) or taken as a powder with water (e.g. Glucosum Hänseler). Glucose in solid form has several disadvantages: Large amounts are difficult to swallow when fluids are not available and are more difficult to absorb without fluids. In addition, as symptoms progress, the patient is no longer able to chew. Liquid glucose is a liquid or semisolid preparation of glucose in tubes or single-dose sachets for ingestion during hypoglycemia.
Indication
Hypoglycemia
Products
From Germany:
- Carrero dextrose gel 10 x 1 bag, 1 bag = 1 bread unit.
- Jubin (glucose syrup, sucrose, water, flavor) 10 x 40 g, 1 tube = 2.6 bread units
Pharmaceutical production:
- Preparation of a preserved glucose solution (syrup).
Food:
- Alternatively, glucose can be taken in the form of food, e.g. Coca-Cola, limonands.
Possible disadvantages of glucose gels
- Pouches may be difficult to open in an emergency and in a car
- Expiration, price
