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Hypoglycemia Due to Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including a serious medical emergency marked by hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

  1. Features

    • Sometimes the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency suddenly worsen in an event known as an Addisonian crisis. Hypoglycemia is an indicator for this condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Types

    • Other indications of an Addisonian crisis include low blood pressure and high potassium, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms may include deep pain in the lower back, midsection and legs, severe diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration and losing consciousness, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service (NEMDIS).

    Identification

    • Although the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency often develop slowly over time, the NEMDIS reports that the rapid symptoms of an Addisonian crisis may be the first indication of adrenal insufficiency.

    Treatment

    • Emergency treatment for an Addisonian emergency includes intravenous hydrocortisone (a form of the hormone cortisol), saline (salt) solution as well as dextrose (sugar), according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Prevention/Solution

    • In order to limit the impact of Addisonian crises, the NEMDIS recommends that people with adrenal insufficiency carry identification stating the dose of cortisol necessary in an emergency. People with the condition who travel should bring a dose of cortisol for the same reason.

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