Evidence supporting the use of: Adrenaline
For the health condition: Hypoglycemia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) has a scientifically validated role in the treatment of hypoglycemia, but this use is largely limited to specific clinical situations. Adrenaline is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen to glucose) and inhibiting insulin secretion. Historically, before the advent of modern therapies, adrenaline was used to counteract hypoglycemia, especially in insulin-treated diabetic patients.

Today, adrenaline is not the first-line treatment for hypoglycemia—oral glucose or intravenous dextrose and, in severe cases, glucagon are preferred. However, the physiological response to hypoglycemia naturally includes increased secretion of adrenaline, which acts as a counter-regulatory hormone to raise blood glucose. In rare settings where glucagon is unavailable or ineffective (such as in patients with depleted glycogen stores), adrenaline may theoretically be considered, but this is uncommon in modern clinical practice.

There is strong mechanistic evidence for adrenaline’s hyperglycemic effects, and experimental studies have demonstrated its ability to raise blood glucose. However, its side effect profile and the availability of safer, more specific treatments have relegated its role. Therefore, while adrenaline has scientific plausibility and historical precedent in hypoglycemia management, its current use is limited and not routine.

More about Adrenaline
More about Hypoglycemia

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