Hypoglycaemia
(modified from Australian Diabetes Council Diabetes –What you need to know Chapter 14)
Factors
- Delayed or missed meals
- Not enough carbohydrate in the meal
- Extra activity or more strenuous activity
- Too much diabetes medication
- Alcohol
Signs & Symptoms:
- Dizziness/light headedness
- Sweating
- Headache
- Weakness, shaking
- Tingling around the lips and fingers
- Hunger
- Mood changes, irritable/tearful
- Confusion/lack of concentration
If not treated the blood glucose levels can continue to drop, resulting in:
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness/ fitting
Treatments
If you feel any of these signs and symptoms, test your blood glucose level if possible. If you are unable to test, treat anyway. Treatment for hypoglycemia in a person who is conscious, cooperative and able to swallow:
STEP 1:
Take quickly absorbed carbohydrate
- Half a glass of juice OR
- 6 to 7 jellybeans OR
- Half a can of regular (not diet) soft drink OR
- 3 teaspoons of sugar OR honey
Retest the blood glucose level after 10-15 mins. If still below 4 mmol/L repeat Step 1
STEP 2:
If your next meal is more than 20 minutes away, follow up with more slowly absorbed carbohydrate
- 2 plain biscuits
- 1 slice of bread
- 1 glass of milk or soy milk
- 1 piece of fruit
- 1 tub of low-fat yoghurt
If the person having a hypo is unconscious, they must not be given anything by mouth.
- Place the person on their side
- Make sure the airway is clear
- Ring 999 or if using mobile, ring 112 for an ambulance stating “diabetic emergency”
- An unconscious person must not be left alone
- If you are able and trained, give a Glucagon injection
Important points for the person at risk of hypoglycaemia
- Always carry “hypo” food with you
- Carry identification to say you have diabetes
- Test before driving, before and after exercising
Testing
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What is the cause of hypoglycemia and how can it be prevented? Check out the discussion on MyManis website.