# Hypoglycaemic Unawareness in a Glycogen Storage Disorder Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

**Authors:** Alamin Alkundi, Rabiu Momoh

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.81805 · Cureus · 2025-04-06

## TL;DR

This case report discusses hypoglycaemic unawareness in a patient with a glycogen storage disorder, highlighting the use of a CGM device to manage the condition.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare case of hypoglycaemic unawareness in a non-diabetic patient with Von Gierke disease.

## Key findings

- Hypoglycaemic unawareness was identified in a 27-year-old female with Von Gierke disease.
- A continuous glucose monitoring device was used to mitigate the risks of unrecognized hypoglycaemia.
- The paper reviews mechanisms and burden of hypoglycaemic unawareness in rare disorders.

## Abstract

The concept of hypoglycaemic unawareness is often discussed in the literature in relation to diabetics on insulin treatment. Hypoglycaemic unawareness is a state in which patients fail to recognize neuroglycopenic symptoms and signs that could prompt the need to seek measures to reverse or treat low blood sugar readings. This can lead to serious dangers, as immediate action is vital to avert potentially life-threatening consequences. We present a finding of hypoglycaemic unawareness in a 27-year-old female with a long-term diagnosis of Von Gierke disease (a glycogen storage disorder (GSD)) who went on to be fitted with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device to prevent the harmful effects of unrecognised hypoglycaemia. We have reviewed the burden and probable mechanism for the development of hypoglycaemic unawareness in this disorder and in other infrequently reported disorders for the education of health professionals and patients.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Von Gierke disease (MONDO:0002413), glycogen storage disorder (MONDO:0002412)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Glycogen Storage Disorder (MESH:D006008), low blood sugar (MESH:D007022), GSD (MESH:D016098), diabetics (MESH:D003920), Hypoglycaemic Unawareness (MESH:D018458), Von Gierke disease (MESH:D005953)
- **Chemicals:** insulin (MESH:D007328), glucose (MESH:D005947)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12055202/full.md

## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12055202/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12055202