Hypoglycemia This guideline has been adapted from the Endocrine Guidelines prepared by the Alberta Common Procedure List Committee of Alberta Health following an extensive review of the scientific literature. To assist the practitioner in the initial laboratory investigation in patients with suspected Hypoglycemia. To optimize the use of diagnostic laboratory tests. The symptoms should be rapidly reversible with the oral intake of glucose. The presence of hypoglycemia cannot be established by capillary reagent strip testing.
Consultation is recommended in patients with fasting hypoglycemia.
Reagent strip testing may be sufficient to guide appropriate dietary recommendations. The diagnosis cannot be established using capillary glucose measurment because of inaccuracy of the technology in the hypoglycemic range. Fasting hypoglycemia has greater pathogenic significance. Patients with other medical disorders may also experience hypoglycemia and investigation of adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, liver failure or renal impairment may be indicated. Investigation of hypoglycemia.