HYPO MANAGEMENT What is a Hypo?
A hypo is when the blood glucose level falls too low, usually
under 4mmols/l. When this happens the person often experiences “ warning
signs”, which occur as the body tries to raise the
blood glucose level. Most hypos are mild and easily treated.
However,
if a hypo is not treated properly collapse may occur.
Why do Hypos occur?
The most common reasons for hypos occurring are:-
A missed or delayed meal
Exercising more than usual
Eating less carbohydrate than usual
Taking the wrong dose (too much) of insulin or tablets
Drinking too much alcohol
Hot weather
Symptoms of a Hypo
These are often known as “warning signs”. They
can vary from person to person. Not everyone gets all these
warning signs. Each person will probably only get some which
are specific to them.
Shaking or dizziness
Sweating
Tingling of lips
A pounding of the heart sensation
Hunger or feeling sick
Headache
Irritability or agitation
Difficulty in co-ordinating movement
Slurred speech
Confusion
Paleness
Symptoms of
a hypo should be treated straight away.
Never leave a child unattended
during a hypo.
How to treat a Hypo
Stage 1
Take a food or fluid containing fast acting carbohydrate
e.g. Jelly Babies, Wine Gums, Dextro Energy, Jelly Beans
or Ribena, Cola, Lucozade.
This will raise the blood glucose level quickly.
The quantity of fast acting carbohydrate required to raise
the blood glucose will vary from person to person depending
on age and size.
Discuss what is appropriate with your Doctor or Nurse.
Stage 2
Once the blood glucose level is above 4mmols/l or the warning
signs have disappeared eat a snack or meal containing longer
acting carbohydrate such as a sandwich. If a snack or meal
is not eaten the blood glucose level can drop causing another
hypo within 60 minutes.
Stage 3
Try to work out why the hypo happened. Ask the Doctor or
Nurse for advice if they are happening regularly.
Common Mistakes
Ignoring the warning
signs of a hypo. Don’t! Always
treat.
No available glucose. Always carry some food or fluid containing
fast acting carbohydrate.
No follow up snack. Remember eat a starchy snack after a
hypo or the blood glucose level may drop again within 60
minutes.
Don’t use sugar
free products to treat a hypo such as diet cola or
diet lemonade, as
they
will
not work.
Safety Tips
Always carry identification
explaining that you have diabetes.
Food or fluids should not be given to an unconscious person,
in a hypo, as choking may occur. Hypostop or Glucagon can be
administered by a trained relative or friend, (ask the Doctor
or Nurse about this). If relatives or friends are at all concerned
they should call an ambulance on 999 for assistance.
Driving – When
old enough to hold a provisional or full driving licence
seek advice on driving with
diabetes
from your
Doctor or nurse.
Hypos can occur following alcohol consumption.
It is important to talk to your Doctor or Nurse about alcohol
and its affects in diabetes.
