Hypoglycaemia

What is hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia is when the blood glucose levels in the body become too low. This can mainly affect people with diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes. It can be dangerous if it is not treated quickly but can be managed by yourself in a lot of cases.

What are some of the common symptoms of hypoglycaemia?

• Sweating
• Feeling hungry
• Tiredness
• Palpitations
• Lips tingling
• Feeling shaky or trembling
• Turning pale
• Feeling irritable, tearful or anxious

If the blood glucose levels are not treated, other symptoms may occur that can be more severe:

• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Being confused or having difficulty concentrating
• Seizures or fits
• Collapsing or passing out
• Unusual behaviour, clumsiness or slurred speech

What can cause hypoglycaemia?

• Skipping or delaying a meal
• Not consuming enough carbohydrates
• Exercise, especially if it is high intensity or unplanned
• Drinking alcohol
• Medicine effects

How can I treat hypoglycaemia?

The first stage of treatment for low blood glucose, or a hypo, is to consume 15-20 grams of quick acting carbohydrates which could be:

• 2 tubes of a glucose gel such as GlucoGel
• 5 glucose or dextrose tablets
• 5 jelly babies
• A small glass of a sugary (non-diet) drink
• A small carton of pure fruit juice

Retest the blood glucose levels after 10-15 minutes and if the levels stay under 4.0mmol/l then have another of the quick acting carbohydrates. If the levels still have not risen after doing this 3 times then an ambulance should be called as further treatment would  be needed.

If the blood glucose levels are above 4.0mmol/l then you should consume a long acting carbohydrate such as a biscuit or a normal meal.

References:

NHS (2020) Low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia). Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-sugar-hypoglycaemia/ (Accessed on 4 April 2023).