Abstract

Hypoglycemia in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Author(s): Pawel Piatkiewicz

Hypoglycemia is a condition of reduced blood glucose level below 70 mg/dl (3.9 mmol/l). Hypoglycemic coma is a medical emergency which usually associated with glycemia around 20 mg/dl (1.1 mmol/l). Prolonged severe hypoglycemia may result in permanent neurological disorders. Hypoglycemia also has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. Severe hypoglycemia may induce ventricular arrhythmias. Severe hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes occurred mostly in elderly. Low hemoglobin HbA1c level indicates inappropriate intensification of therapy as a main cause of severe hypoglycemia in elderly patients.