Understanding Diabetes Basic back to: How can we help?

Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar) Hypoglycaemia is low blood glucose levels (below 4.0 mmol/l) that occurs in someone taking insulin or certain medications for diabetes Hypoglycaemia (hypos) are potentially dangerous if left untreated To avoid hypos you should test their blood glucose levels regularly, particularly before and after exercise and before driving Hypos can happen suddenly, and need immediate attention After a number of years of diabetes, some people lose the early warning signs of hypos Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia People experiencing a hypo may feel one or more of these symptoms: light-headed dizziness headache blurred vision weak and trembling knees hungry shakiness Other people may notice that they are: pale sweaty having difficulty concentrating irritable confused Some people have no symptoms. Untreated Hypos can lead to seizures and coma. Causes of Hypoglycaemia People on insulin or certain tablets for diabetes can have a hypo if they: Miss a meal or a late for a meal or snack Take too much insulin or too many diabetes tablets Exercise more than usual (and don’t compensate with extra food) Drink alcohol without food People may find they have frequent hypos if they lose weight and have no adjustment to insulin or medication Treating Mild to Moderate Hyploglycaemia Test blood glucose levels if able. If blood glucose level under 4 treat immediately with: 10 – 15 grams of glucose (tablets or powder) or Half a glass of non-diet soft drink or juice or 1 tablespoon of jam, honey or sugar or 6 – 8 small jelly beans After 10 minutes if symptoms persist or blood glucose levels below 4, repeat one of the above When symptoms have gone or blood glucose above 4 eat either: A meal if it is due A sandwich or a piece of fruit or a glass of milk Treatment of Severe Hypoglycaemia If a person is unconscious or fitting, food or fluids must not be given in case they are inhaled An unconscious person should be placed in the recovery position Partners, parents or caregivers of people with diabetes can be trained to use ecommend by their health professional If in doubt, phone an ambulance.

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