Washington, D.C. Hypoglycemia Lawyers
Medication errors result in nearly 1.3 million injuries and more than 300 deaths each year in the United States. According to the U.S. Pharmacopeia Medication Error Reporting Program, over half are insulin-related. When not properly administered or monitored, insulin medication errors can result in serious and life-altering injuries due to low blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia.
When you suffer an injury or lose a loved one due to medical negligence, you need an unparalleled, experienced legal team on your side. Look no further than the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates. Our Washington, D.C. hypoglycemia lawyers provide unmatched knowledge and experience as lawyers and doctors to provide the most comprehensive representation and guidance possible. We have a solid record of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for clients injured through medical malpractice.
What Is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Upon eating, the body begins digestion, which breaks down foods into glucose, the body’s main energy source. Insulin allows the glucose to enter and fuel the body’s cells. Any extra glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, or “glucose stores.”
Without food for several hours, blood sugar levels drop, halting insulin production. Another pancreatic hormone, glucagon, signals the liver to break down and release the glucose stores into the bloodstream. Individuals with diabetes suffer from an overproduction of insulin and must monitor blood sugar levels throughout the day to avoid complications.
According to the American Diabetes Association, about 7.5 million Americans require insulin as part of their diabetic regimen. The administration of too much insulin or other diabetic medication, however, can result in blood sugar levels crashing, causing hypoglycemia.
What Causes Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a medical condition that occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, disrupting bodily functions. The condition is most commonly related to diabetes but can also be triggered by medications and other health conditions in non-diabetic individuals. Common causes of hypoglycemia include:
- Medications: Hypoglycemia is most commonly caused by insulin medications in diabetics, either through taking too much or a buildup of insulin in the bloodstream. In non-diabetics, other medications can also cause hypoglycemia.
- Alcohol consumption: Drinking heavily can cause the liver to stop releasing glucose into the bloodstream, especially when drinking without eating.
- Health conditions: Hypoglycemia can occur due to severe liver illnesses, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, a severe infection, kidney disease, or advanced heart disease. Kidney disorders can also affect the body’s ability to properly excrete medications, leading to a buildup of medications and lowering blood sugar levels.
- Malnutrition and starvation: Hypoglycemia can occur with long-term malnutrition or starvation, depleting the glycogen stores needed to create glucose, such as anorexia nervosa or lack of access to food.
- Insulin production: Rare pancreatic tumors and unusual cells can cause an overproduction or excessive insulin release, resulting in hypoglycemia. Other bodily tumors can also cause an overproduction of insulin-like substances.
- Hormone deficiencies: Certain adrenal gland and pituitary tumor disorders can reduce the hormones that regulate glucose production or metabolism, such as human growth hormone in children.
In some individuals, a condition known as reactive hypoglycemia can occur after certain meals. Though most commonly associated with gastric bypass and other surgeries interrupting stomach function, the exact cause of reactive hypoglycemia is unknown.
How Dangerous Is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia can cause severe long-term severe complications or death. Identifying risk factors, monitoring blood glucose levels, and various other treatments can help maintain normal blood sugar levels. Prolonged severe hypoglycemia can result in:
- Cardiac arrest
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Coma
- Death
- Multiple organ failure
- Permanent brain damage
- Vision loss
What Are the Symptoms of Adult Hypoglycemia?
Symptoms of hypoglycemia vary, depending on the severity of low blood sugar levels. Symptoms of mild, moderate, or severe low blood sugar levels include:
- Mild: Feelings of hunger or nausea, jittery or nervousness, fast heart rate, sweating, cold and clammy skin.
- Moderate: Nervous, short-tempered, fearful, confusion, blurred vision, vertigo, and lack of coordination or difficulty walking.
- Severe: Known as a diabetic shock, symptoms mimic the effects of alcohol, such as confusion, difficulty walking and moving, seizures, vision problems, unconsciousness, coma, or death.
How Is Adult Hypoglycemia Diagnosed and Treated?
The only true method of diagnosing hypoglycemia is testing blood sugar levels, which can occur in different ways, depending on the circumstances. Some tests may involve fasting to watch for symptoms and consuming foods that typically cause symptoms of low blood sugar several hours later. Hypoglycemia is easily treated by immediately consuming foods or drinks containing sugar or administering a sugar solution intravenously.
How Does Medical Malpractice Cause Hypoglycemia?
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can be complicated, as levels fluctuate throughout the day with food, digestion, and activity. Proper monitoring quickly identifies symptoms of dosing mistakes and allows doctors and nurses to address hypoglycemia before it escalates to a medical emergency.
Problems can develop when doctors fail to monitor blood glucose levels and symptoms after administering insulin in hospitals and nursing homes, which constitutes medical negligence. Medical malpractice claims compensate patients for injuries and deaths due to medical negligence.
What Compensation Am I Entitled to in a Medical Malpractice Claim?
Compensation in medical malpractice claims varies, depending on the circumstances and the severity of injuries. Compensation is based on economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim?
The statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim in Washington, D.C. is three years from the date of injury or death.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates
Medical malpractice cases are complex and challenging, requiring keen knowledge and understanding of medical practices and malpractice laws to provide comprehensive representation. A medical malpractice lawyer will investigate your case, consult with medical experts, interview key individuals, develop strategies, negotiate with opposing counsel and insurance companies, and represent you in court when necessary.
The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates is a unique medical malpractice law firm serving patients throughout the Washington, D.C., area. Our lead attorney, Michael Wilson, holds both medical and law degrees from Georgetown University, making him exceptionally qualified to pursue medical malpractice claims vigorously on behalf of victims and their families impacted by negligent healthcare providers. Dr. Wilson is highly regarded for his ability to handle complex cases not only in the District but also nationwide and internationally.
Our Washington, D.C. Hypoglycemia Lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates Help Victims of Medical Negligence
If you have suffered hypoglycemia or lost a loved one due to medical errors, our seasoned Washington, D.C. hypoglycemia lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates can help you fight back. Call us today at 202-223-4488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., we serve clients in the surrounding areas, including Northern Virginia and Maryland.
