Hypoglicemia almost kills — Review of a case

Abstract

Objectives: Brain function depends on a continuous supply of glucose from blood, and oxidative metabolism is the only source of energy except in extreme starvation. This is the basis of the high frequency of cerebral dysfunction in cases of transient hypoglycemia. Neuronal death can occur when plasma glucose levels fall below 18mg/dL. Typically, MRI in hypoglycemic encephalopathy demonstrates T2 white matter lesions in the cortex, hippocampus, and basal ganglia. Prolonged, severe hypoglycemia can cause permanent neurologic damage.