Hypoglycemia: a complication of diabetes therapy in children

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2000 Jul;11(5):198-202. doi: 10.1016/s1043-2760(00)00259-9.

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is the most common acute complication in insulin-treated type 1 diabetic patients. Most surveys have demonstrated that the tighter the glycemic control, and the younger the patient, the greater the frequency of both mild and severe hypoglycemia. However, people in poor metabolic control, with high glycosylated hemoglobin levels, are not protected from experiencing severe hypoglycemia. Focusing on the pediatric population, we review new or controversial issues surrounding the prevalence of hypoglycemia, its causes, its consequences and preventive strategies, and discuss possible mechanisms underlying the variability of responses to hypoglycemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / chemically induced*
  • Hypoglycemia / epidemiology
  • Hypoglycemia / physiopathology
  • Hypoglycemia / prevention & control
  • Insulin / adverse effects*
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Insulin