Hypoglycaemia or Low Blood Glucose Levels

People taking insulin or certain other diabetic medications may develop symptoms of low blood glucose levels. Different people will feel low at different readings, this is normal. A level of less than 4.0 mmol/L requires prompt treatment.

Causes

• Meals or snacks are missed or delayed
• Extra physical activity occurs
• Alcohol is taken on an empty stomach
• Too much insulin or diabetes tablets are taken
• Medication is changed or new medication is added
• Sometimes there is no apparent reason

Symptoms

Typical symptoms may include: Sweating Weakness Inability to think straight Paleness Change in mood Lack of coordination Trembling Weeping Drowsiness Irritability aggression Nausea Intense hunger Blurred vision Slurred Speach Numbness Palpatations Light headedness Headache Loss of consciousness/fitting

Treatment

If possible quickly check your blood glucose level otherwise treat for hypo as follows:

Eat a small amount of one of the fast acting glucose foods : 4 small or 7 large jelly beans 10-15g glucose tablets 15g oral glucose gel or a small glass of lemonade or Coca Cola® or Lucozade®

Test after 10 – 15 minutes. If no improvement repeat above treatment.

Once blood glucose level returns to normal, i.e. above 4.0 follow up within fifteen minutes with some slow acting carbohydrate such as half a sandwich, 2-3 cracker biscuits with some low fat cheese or a glass of low fat milk or your next meal if it is due.

If there is still no improvement, call for emergency help. Call 000 or 112 on a mobile phone.

Always be prepared!

Always carry glucose tablets, lollies or other forms of sugar with you at all times to treat a hypo, just in case. Low blood glucose levels should be treated before they get worse, you should always stop what you are doing and treat, even if you cannot test, if your feel low you should treat. Always review and correct possible causes.

Talk to your Diabetes health professional if unexplained hypoglycaemia persists or if you have a serious low blood glucose level as your dose of insulin or Diabetes tablets may need to be reduced.

Sometimes people can develop an unawareness of hypoglycaemic symptoms, if this happens to you, you must discuss it with your doctor or diabetes educator.