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International Journal of Emergency Medicine

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01-12-2021 | Hypoxemia | Case report

The pathophysiology of “happy” hypoglycemia

Authors: Thomas Loeb, Anna Ozguler, Geraldine Baer, Michel Baer

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Hypoglycemia usually includes various neurological symptoms, which are the consequence of neuroglycopenia. When it is severe, it is associated with altered mental status, even coma.

Case presentation

We report the case of a patient with severe hypoglycemia, completely asymptomatic, due to the increase of lactate production in response to tissue hypoperfusion following a hemorrhagic shock. This illustrates that lactate can substitute glucose as an energy substrate for the brain. It is also a reminder that this metabolite, despite its bad reputation maintained by its role as a marker of severity in critical care patients, has a fundamental role in our metabolism.

Conclusions

Following the example of the “happy hypoxemia” recently reported in the literature describing asymptomatic hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients, we describe a case of “happy hypoglycemia.”

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Title: The pathophysiology of “happy” hypoglycemia
Authors: Thomas Loeb
Anna Ozguler
Geraldine Baer
Michel Baer
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Hypoxemia
Hypoglycemia
Coma
Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-021-00348-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The pathophysiology of “happy” hypoglycemia

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

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