Which symptom is most consistent with hypoglycemia?

Which symptom is most consistent with hypoglycemia?

• A. Warm, flushed skin
• B. Headache
• C. Cold, clammy skin
• D. Seizures

Answer: (C)

Low blood sugar triggers a sympathetic response that makes the skin cool and clammy. This pallor with cool, moist skin is a classic sign of hypoglycemia because adrenaline is released to raise the glucose level, and that response often includes sweating and a rapid heart rate. Warm, flushed skin points more toward heat exposure or hyperglycemia and isn’t the characteristic look of low glucose. A headache can occur with many conditions and isn’t as specific to hypoglycemia, and seizures can occur when glucose is very low but tend to appear later in the course. In a suspected case, verify the glucose and treat according to protocol—give oral glucose if the patient is awake and able to swallow, or follow steps for glucagon or IV dextrose if not.

Low blood sugar triggers a sympathetic response that makes the skin cool and clammy. This pallor with cool, moist skin is a classic sign of hypoglycemia because adrenaline is released to raise the glucose level, and that response often includes sweating and a rapid heart rate. Warm, flushed skin points more toward heat exposure or hyperglycemia and isn’t the characteristic look of low glucose. A headache can occur with many conditions and isn’t as specific to hypoglycemia, and seizures can occur when glucose is very low but tend to appear later in the course. In a suspected case, verify the glucose and treat according to protocol—give oral glucose if the patient is awake and able to swallow, or follow steps for glucagon or IV dextrose if not.