To stop a hypo (hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar), you need to act quickly by consuming fast-acting carbohydrates that rapidly raise your blood sugar levels.
Immediate Action for Low Blood Sugar
If you have diabetes and experience symptoms of low blood sugar, or if your blood sugar reading is below 4mmol/L, it's crucial to consume a quick-acting carbohydrate immediately. These options are absorbed into your bloodstream rapidly, providing a fast sugar boost.
What to Consume Immediately:
| Fast-Acting Carbohydrate | Quantity for Treatment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose Tablets | 5 tablets | Easy to carry and precise dosing. |
| Dextrose Tablets | 5 tablets | Similar to glucose tablets, quickly absorbed. |
| Sugary Fizzy Drink | Small glass | Avoid diet or 'zero' versions as they don't contain sugar. |
| Fruit Juice | Small glass | Pure fruit juice is effective due to its natural sugars. |
| Jelly Babies | 4 large pieces | A convenient and tasty option. |
| Glucose Gel | 2 tubes | Designed for quick absorption, often comes in pre-measured tubes. |
Always choose one of these options and avoid foods high in fat (like chocolate or biscuits) as fat slows down sugar absorption, delaying the treatment of the hypo.
The 15-Minute Rule:
After consuming your fast-acting carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes and then re-check your blood sugar.
- If your blood sugar is still low (below 4mmol/L) or you still have symptoms, repeat the treatment with another portion of fast-acting carbohydrates.
- Once your blood sugar is back above 4mmol/L and your symptoms have improved, you should follow up with a slower-acting carbohydrate.
Following Up to Stabilize Blood Sugar
After successfully treating the immediate hypo and getting your blood sugar back into a safe range, it's important to consume a slower-acting carbohydrate. This helps to prevent your blood sugar from dropping again and provides sustained energy.
Examples of slower-acting carbohydrates include:
- A slice of toast
- A piece of fruit
- A small sandwich
- A regular meal (if it's time for one)
Understanding Hypoglycaemia (Hypos)
Hypoglycaemia occurs when the sugar (glucose) level in your blood drops too low. For people with diabetes, this is often a side effect of certain medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, which are used to lower blood sugar.
Common Causes of Hypos:
- Taking too much insulin or other glucose-lowering medication.
- Skipping or delaying meals.
- Not eating enough carbohydrates for the amount of insulin taken.
- Unplanned or strenuous physical activity.
- Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach.
- Illness or vomiting.
Recognising the Symptoms of a Hypo:
It's vital to recognise the early warning signs of a hypo so you can treat it promptly. Symptoms can vary but often include:
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Hunger
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Confusion or disorientation
- Irritability or mood changes
- Headache
- Tingling lips
- Pale skin
- Blurred vision
In severe cases, a hypo can lead to loss of consciousness or seizures, requiring emergency medical attention.
Strategies for Preventing Hypos
Preventing hypos is key to managing diabetes effectively and safely.
Here are some practical strategies:
- Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring: Check your blood sugar regularly, as advised by your healthcare team, especially before and after meals, exercise, and driving. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) can also provide real-time data and alerts.
- Consistent Meal Times: Try to eat meals and snacks at consistent times each day.
- Balanced Carbohydrate Intake: Ensure your carbohydrate intake matches your insulin or medication dosage and activity levels. Consult a dietitian or diabetes educator for personalised advice.
- Adjusting Medication for Activity: If you plan to exercise, discuss with your healthcare provider whether you need to adjust your insulin dose or carbohydrate intake beforehand.
- Always Carry Fast-Acting Carbs: Keep glucose tablets, sugary drinks, or other fast-acting carbohydrates with you at all times, in case of an unexpected drop.
- Inform Others: Make sure family, friends, and colleagues know you have diabetes and understand what to do if you have a hypo. Consider wearing a medical ID.
- Limit Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and always with food, monitoring your blood sugar closely. Alcohol can cause delayed hypos.
- Review Medication: Regularly review your medication regimen with your doctor or diabetes nurse to ensure it is appropriate for your lifestyle and needs.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most hypos can be treated at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary:
- Severe Hypo: If you lose consciousness or have a seizure due to a hypo, someone should call emergency services immediately.
- Frequent Hypos: If you are experiencing frequent or unexplained hypos, contact your diabetes care team. This may indicate that your medication needs adjustment.
- Unable to Raise Blood Sugar: If you have followed the 15-minute rule multiple times and your blood sugar is still not rising, seek medical advice.
By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and acting promptly with the correct treatment, you can effectively stop hypos and manage your diabetes with greater confidence. For more detailed information and personalized advice, always consult your healthcare provider or visit reputable sources like the NHS website or Diabetes UK (links provided as examples to credible sources).
