At what value do we treat hypoglycemia?

At what value do we treat hypoglycemia?

• A. < 60 mg/dL
• B. < 70 mg/dL
• C. < 50 mg/dL
• D. < 40 mg/dL

Answer: (A)

Treat hypoglycemia when blood glucose falls below 60 mg/dL. This threshold is used in EMS practice because brain function can be impaired as glucose drops, and acting at or below 60 helps prevent rapid deterioration. When glucose is under 60, initiate treatment promptly: if the patient is awake and able to swallow, give oral glucose (or a sugary drink) to raise the level; if IV access is available, administer dextrose 50% IV; if not, use glucagon per protocol. While some guidelines cite 70 mg/dL as a diagnostic cutoff, the treatment trigger in this context is 60 mg/dL to balance timely care with practical field management.

Treat hypoglycemia when blood glucose falls below 60 mg/dL. This threshold is used in EMS practice because brain function can be impaired as glucose drops, and acting at or below 60 helps prevent rapid deterioration. When glucose is under 60, initiate treatment promptly: if the patient is awake and able to swallow, give oral glucose (or a sugary drink) to raise the level; if IV access is available, administer dextrose 50% IV; if not, use glucagon per protocol. While some guidelines cite 70 mg/dL as a diagnostic cutoff, the treatment trigger in this context is 60 mg/dL to balance timely care with practical field management.