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Below 70? The 15-15 rule

All forDiabetes

Diabetes mellitus, Type 2 DIAGNOSIS

All for DiabetesPublished August 10, 20061 min read

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  • Other specific types of diabetes mellitus

    – Genetic defects of β -cell function

    – Genetic defects in insulin action

    – Diseases of exocrine pancreas

    – Endocrinopathies

    – Drug or chemical induced (see below)

    – Infections

    – Immune mediated

    – Genetic syndromes sometimes associated with diabetes

    – Hemochromatosis
  • Gestational diabetes mellitus

LABORATORY

  • Criteria for diagnosis; any one is sufficient

    – Symptoms of diabetes (polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss) plus casual (random) plasma glucose – 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)

    – Fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) on 2 occasions

    – 2 hour plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) during OGTT with 75 g glucose load

Drugs that may alter lab results:

  • Pentamidine
  • Nicotinic acid
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Thyroid hormone
  • Diazoxide
  • Beta adrenergic agonists
  • Thiazides
  • Dilantin
  • Alpha-interferon
  • Some fluoroquinolones
  • Some second generation (atypical) antipsychotics

Disorders that may alter lab results: See Differential Diagnosis

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS N/A

SPECIAL TESTS

  • Glucose tolerance test usually not necessary, except when diagnosing gestational diabetes
  • Hemoglobin A1C not recommended for diagnosis, but helpful in management

IMAGING N/A

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES N/A

The content on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If someone with diabetes is confused, unconscious or cannot swallow, call 911 or your local emergency number.

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Low blood sugar

Below 70? Use the 15-15 rule.

Hypoglycemia can happen to anyone who takes insulin or certain diabetes tablets. Treat it straight away. If someone is confused, unconscious or can’t swallow, don’t give food or drink: use glucagon if it is available and call 911 or your local emergency number.

Common signs

  • Shaking or trembling
  • Sweating, clammy skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Hunger
  • Confusion or irritability
  1. STEP 115 gTake fast-acting sugar4 oz (½ cup) of juice or regular soda, 4 glucose tablets, or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey.
  2. STEP 215 minWait, then recheckStill below 70 mg/dL? Take another 15 g and check again.
  3. STEP 3SnackOnce back in rangeEat a meal or snack if your next one is more than an hour away.

Based on American Diabetes Association guidance. Your care team may give you a different plan, for example for children or after severe lows. Outside the US, call your local emergency number.