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Hypoglycaemia - 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 glucagon by their health professional
- If in doubt, phone an ambulance.
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