Managing hypoglycaemia
Top ten tips
1) Remember that hypoglycaemia is a side effect of some of the treatments for diabetes. It is not an effect of having diabetes. If you are taking insulin and/or tablets that stimulate your pancreas to produce more insulin (e.g. sulphonylureas) then hypoglycaemia may occur.
2) Remember that hypoglycaemia is a result of an imbalance between your medication and your food/exercise. As such, it is usually preventable.
3) Symptoms of hypoglycaemia occur in two phases: while the blood sugar falls, you experience ‘adrenaline surge’-type symptoms: increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, hunger. As the blood sugar reaches a low level, then the ‘brain sugar loss’ symptoms occur: disorientation, confusion.
4) Recognising hypoglycaemia is not difficult: most people find that when they experience it for the first time they are clear what it is. They have been feeling fine and then all of a sudden feel very different. This is the body alerting you to action!
5) If your symptoms are not too severe, then taking sugar in the form of a biscuit or a piece of fruit may be enough. If you do need to take sugar then make sure it is in a form which will work quickly. Liquid sugar is absorbed more quickly than solid, so sugary drinks are useful. Remember that, because of its fat content, chocolate will be absorbed more slowly so it may not relieve your symptoms quickly.
6) Once you have treated your initial symptoms be aware that, if a meal is a few hours away, then your blood sugar may drop again. Prevent this by having some long-acting sugar/carbohydrate (e.g. a sandwich).
7) If you are on insulin and are prone to ‘hypoglycaemic unawareness’ – low blood sugar levels without early warning symptoms – then it may be advisable for your family to be aware of what to do in case you begin to lose consciousness. Glucagon (available on prescription) can be injected and cause a temporary release in sugar from the liver.
8) Prevention of hypoglycaemia is better than cure: learn when your vulnerable times are. These will usually be between meals or at mealtimes if you are eating late. Find out how your insulin or tablets work – the vulnerable times will be during the medication’s peak times of action.
9) If you are taking insulin and are experiencing hypoglycaemia, it may be that your insulin or insulin regimen needs to be reviewed by your doctor or diabetes nurse specialist.
10) Alcohol intake can increase your risk of hypoglycaemia as it prevents your liver from releasing sugar into your bloodstream. This then lowers the sugar level which, in turn, puts you at risk of a hypo. Therefore if you are having more than the ‘odd’ drink – make sure that you eat some food with it!
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INS/742/0207
Last updated: May 2007