What glucose value commonly defines hypoglycemia needing treatment in the field?

What glucose value commonly defines hypoglycemia needing treatment in the field?

• A. Glucose over 180 mg/dL
• B. Glucose less than 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
• C. Glucose between 100-140 mg/dL
• D. Glucose exactly 90 mg/dL

Answer: (B)

Hypoglycemia in the field is defined as a plasma glucose level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). This threshold is used because glucose at or under this point impairs brain function and can lead to symptoms like confusion, dizziness, sweating, or unconsciousness, signaling the need for treatment to raise blood sugar quickly. The other values shown represent normal or high glucose levels, not hypoglycemia. In practice, treat if the patient can swallow, with quick-acting oral glucose; if not, use IV dextrose or glucagon per protocol.

Hypoglycemia in the field is defined as a plasma glucose level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). This threshold is used because glucose at or under this point impairs brain function and can lead to symptoms like confusion, dizziness, sweating, or unconsciousness, signaling the need for treatment to raise blood sugar quickly. The other values shown represent normal or high glucose levels, not hypoglycemia. In practice, treat if the patient can swallow, with quick-acting oral glucose; if not, use IV dextrose or glucagon per protocol.