Question

Which patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus would be at the highest risk for developing hypoglycemic unawareness?

a. A 58-year-old patient with diabetic retinopathy
b. A 73-year-old patient who takes propranolol (Inderal)
c. A 19-year-old patient who is on the school track team
d. A 24-year-old patient with a hemoglobin A1C of 8.9%

Answer 1

The 19-year-old patient who is on the school track team is at the highest risk for developing hypoglycemic unawareness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient at the highest risk for developing hypoglycemic unawareness, in this case, would be a 19-year-old patient who is on the school track team.

Hypoglycemic unawareness is a condition where a person with diabetes does not experience the typical symptoms of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, sweating, or hunger. This can be dangerous because the person may not recognize that their blood sugar is low and take appropriate action.

In this case, the 19-year-old patient who is on the school track team is at higher risk because the exercise involved in track activities can lead to low blood sugar. Additionally, their young age and possibly higher insulin sensitivity can make them more prone to developing hypoglycemic unawareness.