Hypoglycaemia (Hypo) Hypoglycemia means low blood glucose levels, less than 4.0 mmol/L. Anyone who has diabetes and is taking diabetes medications (certain tablets or insulin injections) may experience hypos. Take note of important warning signs
If anyone has lost consciousness because of hypo, call 995 immediately!
Immediate treatment of hypo Less than 4.0 mmol/L
4.0 mmol/L
15g of carbohydrate in soft drinks (read labels)
½ glass of fruit juice (about 125ml) = 15g of carbohydrate
Less than 4.0 mmol/L
4.0 mmol/L More than 4.0 mmol/L
4.0 mmol/L
125ml) e
3 soft or jelly sweets (not chocolate)
3 teaspoons of honey, sugar or glucose powder
treatment ToFollow-on prevent your blood glucose level from To prevent your blood glucose level from dropping youshould should follow with dropping again, again, you follow-up with a longer-acting carbohyrate. For For example: example,a slice longer-acting carbohydrate. bread, 3 crackers, a bananaaor bring forward a of slice of bread, 3 crackers, banana or your yourmeal next if meal it is due1within next dueifwithin hour.an hour.
Reflection: “Why did I have hypoglycaemia?” *Once a hypo event has happened, reflect on the possible cause. A hypo can be caused by the following: • Too much insulin/ diabetes medication OR too little or no carbohydrate at your last meal (For example: rice, bread, pasta, noodles, potato, cereal) Prevention: Your medications/insulin have been prescribed to you to match your meal patterns (timing and portion). Speak to your doctor if you intend to change/start a new diet. •
Delayed or missed meal or snack
•
Drinking too much alcohol or alcohol without food Prevention: Discuss with your doctor as medications/insulin may need to be adjusted for alcohol intake. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.
•
Sometimes there is no obvious cause
Hypo can be dangerous! Some people have no warning signs! The only way to know is to check your blood glucose regularly. Always carry some form of hypo treatment. For example: Sweets, a bottle of soft drink or fruit juice.
Prevention: Take meal on time •
Unplanned or strenuous activity or exercise (For example: sports, running, housework)
Less than 4.0 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL
Hypoglycaemia (Hypo)
Prevention: Discuss with your doctor if physical activity is causing hypos as your medications/ insulin may need to be adjusted. You may need to take a snack before or after exercise.
DM.IE.02.1125