Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycaemia (A Hypo) is a blood glucose level of 4.0 mmol/L or lower. Low blood sugar is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately with fast acting carbohydrates. Severe low blood sugar is extremely dangerous and life threatening.

Hypoglycaemia (Hypos) is defined as a blood glucose level below 4.0 mmol/L

Most common reasons Hypos can occur:

• too much insulin

• unplanned exercise / more strenuous then planned (can be delayed for up to 12hrs after the exercise)

• missed meals (or insulin given too early/late meal)

• drinking alcohol (this can be as much as 24hrs after drinking)

• illness such as gastro

Most common treatments used:

• A glass of juice, full sugar cordial or soft drink (NOT DIET!)

• 5-7 jelly beans

• Glucose Tablets or jellybeans

• 2 teaspoons of jam, honey or sugar

Once above 4.0mmol/l follow with a longer acting carbohydrate such as:

• Glass of milk/milo

• Toast/Raisin Toast

• Sandwich

• Crackers

Important facts about Hypos:

• Glucagon is an emergency treatment for severe hypos. Your diabetes Educator will show you how to use this in case of emergencies and you will need to purchase one upon diagnosis.

• If the person is unconscious, drowsy or unable to swallow you will need to place them on their side to ensure their airway is clear, do not give them any food or drink, calling 000 and if trained and available give injection of glucagon.

• Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycaemia (IAH) / Hypo Unawareness is when you do not feel the early signs of a Hypo and only are aware when checking BGL or once too low. This is something you will need to speak to your Diabetes Educator (DE) about so they can help you make some changes to become “Hypo aware” again.

• You must have Hypo treatment (fast acting carbs) with you at all times, in car, in bag, preferably in each room of the house and most importantly within reach of your bed.

• Keep track of hypos so you can speak to your DE because if they are happening around the same time each day it could be a simple adjustment to your dosage that needs changing

• It is vital that those around you know how to recognise and treat a hypo (friends, family, co-workers, school staff and carers - see fact sheet at top of page to download and print and distribute)

• Drinking alcohol and Hypos are extremely serious and can occur during your sleep after drinking, anywhere up to 24hours later

• Always check your BGL before driving a vehicle.

• If using a CGM or FGM and it is showing you are having a hypo, always finger prick as well. Also, if you are having symptoms of a hypo even if not reading one, do a finger prick test.