Hypoglycemia

Abstract

After vagal collapsus, hypoglycemia is the emergency most often seen in the dental office. It usually happens among the treated diabetic population; there are approximately one million diabetics in France. Its sudden appearance requires an emergency treatment with oral or IV intake of glucose, or the injection of glucagon. Hypoglycemia is defined by a drop of the blood glucose level below the normal values. Of sudden onset, the clinical signs of hypoglycemia can vary, specially the neurological and psychiatric manifestations, and they can lead to a coma. The objective diagnosis relies on the blood glucose level.