The gene for hypokalemic PP is present equally in both sexes, but leads to noticeable symptoms more often in men than in women.

The gene for hypokalemic PP is present equally in both sexes, but leads to noticeable symptoms more often in men than in women.

With hypokalemic periodic paralysis an attack of weakness can be induced by administering glucose and insulin with exercise. These tests are potentially hazardous and require careful monitoring.

In hypokalemic PP, the level of potassium in the blood falls in the early stages of a paralytic attack, while in hyperkalemic PP, it rises slightly or is normal.

Hypokalemic PP attacks may be prevented with use of acetazolamide (or another carbonic anhydrase inhibitor drug) or a diuretic to help retain potassium in the bloodstream.