Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency that may result in seizures, permanent brain damage, or even sudden death. Because hypoglycemia can be the presenting sign of a large list of pathologies, it is necessary to have a comprehensive strategy for diagnosis. An approach based on the metabolic and endocrine systems involved in successful adaptation to fasting leads to timely diagnosis and treatment of hypoglycemia disorders. Suspected hypoglycemia should be evaluated through a closely monitored fasting test to obtain a critical sample when the plasma glucose is less than 50 mg/dL. To minimize the risk of neurologic damage, the therapeutic goal for children with hypoglycemic disorders is to maintain plasma glucoses above 70 mg/dL while encouraging normal feeding behavior.