What is the blood glucose level of Alan West upon his visit to the ED?

What is the blood glucose level of Alan West upon his visit to the ED?

• A. 100 mg/dL
• B. 250 mg/dL
• C. 400 mg/dL
• D. 575 mg/dL

Answer: (D)

The blood glucose level of Alan West being 575 mg/dL indicates a critically high level of glycemia, often associated with hyperglycemic crises like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS). Such elevated levels can occur in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, reflecting severe insulin deficiency or resistance. At 575 mg/dL, immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent potential complications such as osmotic diuresis, dehydration, and risk of coma. The importance of recognizing a blood glucose level this high lies in its implications for urgent treatment, including fluids, insulin therapy, and monitoring for possible complications like electrolyte imbalances. Lower blood glucose levels, like those at 100 mg/dL, 250 mg/dL, or 400 mg/dL, do not present the same level of immediate risk or require the same urgency of care as 575 mg/dL does. The significantly elevated reading in this scenario points to a state that mandates an emergency response to manage the patient's health effectively.

The blood glucose level of Alan West being 575 mg/dL indicates a critically high level of glycemia, often associated with hyperglycemic crises like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS). Such elevated levels can occur in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, reflecting severe insulin deficiency or resistance. At 575 mg/dL, immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent potential complications such as osmotic diuresis, dehydration, and risk of coma. The importance of recognizing a blood glucose level this high lies in its implications for urgent treatment, including fluids, insulin therapy, and monitoring for possible complications like electrolyte imbalances.

Lower blood glucose levels, like those at 100 mg/dL, 250 mg/dL, or 400 mg/dL, do not present the same level of immediate risk or require the same urgency of care as 575 mg/dL does. The significantly elevated reading in this scenario points to a state that mandates an emergency response to manage the patient's health effectively.