Q: Which doctor should I consult for hypoglycemia?
A: If you suspect hypoglycemia (sweating and feeling faint) Blood glucose should immediately be measured with glucometer and you should take sugar or glucose, whichever is at hand. You should also visit your primary care physician or your diabetologist for adjustment of the dosage of your anti-diabetes medication.
Q: I take metformin and have been told that it does not cause hypoglycemia. Is it true?
A: Though insulin and anti-diabetes medications are listed as the principle causes of hypoglycemia, not all anti-diabetes drugs cause hypoglycemia. Some drugs like sulfonylureas (for example, glyburide and glimepiride), repaglinide and nateglinide act by releasing insulin in the body, and thereby can cause hypoglycemia. Drugs like metformin, pioglitazone and acarbose do not release insulin. These drugs do not cause hypoglycemia when used alone. For more information on anti-diabetes drugs, please refer to http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/diabetes-oral-hypoglycemic-agents-and-glycemic-control.htm
Q: Is hypoglycemia fatal?
A: Since the brain requires a constant supply of glucose, severe hypoglycemia can result in coma and can even be fatal if adequate steps are not taken immediately to restore the blood glucose level.
