Hypoglycaemia
Blood glucose < 4 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) in a diabetic patient.
- Conscious & cooperative: 15–20 g fast-acting glucose orally (glucose gel, tablets, juice). Recheck after 10–15 min, repeat up to 3×.
- Unconscious / uncooperative: Glucagon 1 mg IM (child < 25 kg / < 8 y: 0.5 mg). Call emergency services.
- Once recovered give long-acting carbohydrate.
UK vs US
United States
Rule of 15: 15 g glucose, recheck after 15 min. Glucagon 1 mg IM/SC or 3 mg intranasal (ADA).
Sources
- Resuscitation Council UK — Medical emergencies in primary dental careUK
- BNF (British National Formulary)UK
- American Diabetes Association — HypoglycemiaUS
Checked against these sources on 2026-10-22. Guidelines change — open the source to confirm.
Summarised from the sources above. Always verify against current local guidelines and the patient's medical history.
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