In which patient group can Glucose 10% precipitate Wernicke's Encephalopathy?

Glucose 10% can precipitate Wernicke's Encephalopathy primarily in alcoholics with thiamine deficiency. This is because individuals with chronic alcohol use often have inadequate nutritional intake and absorption issues, leading to a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1).

When glucose is administered to these patients, it can drive the metabolism of carbohydrates while depleting thiamine stores, thereby worsening the deficiency. Thiamine is essential for glucose metabolism, and without sufficient thiamine, the body cannot properly metabolize the glucose, leading to neurological complications, including Wernicke's Encephalopathy. This condition is characterized by confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia, which can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly with thiamine supplementation.

Other patient groups listed in the question are less likely to precipitate this condition. Athletes with low blood sugar may require glucose to quickly restore their energy levels, and patients with diabetes or individuals with kidney disease, while they have other considerations regarding glucose administration, do not have the same risk of developing Wernicke's Encephalopathy as those that are alcohol-dependent with thiamine deficiency.