What potential adverse effect can occur with Glucose Gel?

What potential adverse effect can occur with Glucose Gel?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. May precipitate Wernicke's Encephalopathy in alcoholics with thiamine deficiency
• C. Severe allergic reactions
• D. Vision changes

Answer: (B)

Glucose gel is commonly used in emergency situations to treat hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with diabetes. One significant potential adverse effect associated with the administration of glucose, especially in individuals with chronic alcoholism, is the risk of precipitating Wernicke's Encephalopathy. Wernicke's Encephalopathy is a serious neurological condition caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, commonly seen in alcoholics. When these individuals experience hypoglycemia, the administration of glucose without prior thiamine supplementation can exacerbate their condition by increasing the metabolic demand for thiamine in the brain. This can lead to neurological damage if not addressed promptly, highlighting the importance of assessing thiamine levels and administering thiamine prior to or alongside glucose in at-risk patients. Understanding this relationship is key for healthcare providers in preventing potentially life-threatening complications in vulnerable populations, which is why this adverse effect is critical to consider when using glucose gel in such contexts.

Glucose gel is commonly used in emergency situations to treat hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with diabetes. One significant potential adverse effect associated with the administration of glucose, especially in individuals with chronic alcoholism, is the risk of precipitating Wernicke's Encephalopathy.

Wernicke's Encephalopathy is a serious neurological condition caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, commonly seen in alcoholics. When these individuals experience hypoglycemia, the administration of glucose without prior thiamine supplementation can exacerbate their condition by increasing the metabolic demand for thiamine in the brain. This can lead to neurological damage if not addressed promptly, highlighting the importance of assessing thiamine levels and administering thiamine prior to or alongside glucose in at-risk patients.

Understanding this relationship is key for healthcare providers in preventing potentially life-threatening complications in vulnerable populations, which is why this adverse effect is critical to consider when using glucose gel in such contexts.