Hypokalemia is low potassium in the blood, and hypoglycemia is low glucose in the blood. Hypokalemia and hypoglycemia are dangerous conditions and lack of treatment can lead to several complications. Potassium is necessary for proper heart functioning, and lack of the mineral leads to abnormal heart rhythms. Glucose is the main source of energy for the brain, and lack of the nutrient leads to seizures, coma and death.
Hypokalemia Defined
The normal blood level of potassium is 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L, according to MayoClinic.com. Hypokalemia occurs when the potassium in the blood is less than 2.5 MEq/L. Potassium loss can be caused by use of diuretics such as Lasix, vomiting, diarrhea, laxative abuse and eating disorders.
Hypoakalemia Symptoms and Treatment
Patients with hypokalemia experience symptoms such as abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, fatigue, constipation, muscle cramps, muscle spasms and paralysis. Mild hypokalemia is treated using potassium supplements. Patients with very low potassium levels are treated using potassium chloride administered through the intravenous route. A doctor may prescribe potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone to patients with hypokalemia caused by use of loop diuretics such as Lasix.
Hypoglycemia Defined
Hypoglycemia is more common in patients with diabetes. Diabetics experience hypoglycemia when they take too much insulin, refuse to eat or exercise without increasing consumption of food. Diabetes occurs due to the lack of insulin or the inability to utilize available insulin. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas that helps body cells use the glucose that is available in the blood.
Hypoglycemia Symptoms and Treatment
Patients with hypoglycemia experience symptoms such as sweating, fatigue, confusion, coma, double vision, blurry vision, headache, irritability, hunger, rapid heart rate, nervousness and trembling. Regular consumption of food prevents hypoglycemia. Diabetics with signs of hypoglycemia should be treated immediately with a snack or drink such as orange juice. Diabetics in a coma due to hypoglycemia are treated with glucagon injections or glucose injections.
