What is a potential rebound effect after giving exogenous glucose in hypoglycemia?

What is a potential rebound effect after giving exogenous glucose in hypoglycemia?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Rebound hypoglycemia due to insulin release
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hypoglycemia again

Answer: (B)

When you treat hypoglycemia with IV glucose, a rebound drop in glucose can occur because the glucose load can stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. If insulin levels remain high or if the person has taken insulin or a sulfonylurea, that insulin continues to drive glucose into cells even after the initial blood glucose has risen. As the exogenous glucose is used up and insulin action persists, blood glucose can fall again, causing rebound hypoglycemia. This is why close monitoring is important after a glucose rescue dose, and why some patients may need ongoing dextrose infusion or, in certain cases, glucagon. Hyperkalemia and hypertension aren’t typical rebound outcomes in this scenario, and a return to hypoglycemia is the expected risk.

When you treat hypoglycemia with IV glucose, a rebound drop in glucose can occur because the glucose load can stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. If insulin levels remain high or if the person has taken insulin or a sulfonylurea, that insulin continues to drive glucose into cells even after the initial blood glucose has risen. As the exogenous glucose is used up and insulin action persists, blood glucose can fall again, causing rebound hypoglycemia. This is why close monitoring is important after a glucose rescue dose, and why some patients may need ongoing dextrose infusion or, in certain cases, glucagon. Hyperkalemia and hypertension aren’t typical rebound outcomes in this scenario, and a return to hypoglycemia is the expected risk.