Medical Emergencies · single question
A diabetic patient says they do not feel well in the clinic. You check with a glucometer. What reading is most likely?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. 40 mg/dL
- A. 200 mg/dL is hyperglycemia; diabetic ketoacidosis develops more gradually and is less likely to present acutely in a dental visit.
- B. 83 mg/dL is normal fasting range — a patient would not typically feel acutely unwell.
- C. A diabetic patient feeling acutely unwell in the dental office most likely has hypoglycemia. A reading of 40 mg/dL (<70 mg/dL) confirms severe hypoglycemia. Dental visits precipitate hypoglycemia through anxiety, NPO status, or inadequate carbohydrate intake before the appointment.
- D. 118 mg/dL is mildly elevated; generally asymptomatic at this level.
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