Flying, Diabetes and Hypos
Planning a trip? Here are a few things to keep in mind: Time zones can confuse your insulin schedule Even a one-hour time difference can affect your insulin timing- which adds up on long trips! Always double-check your pump settings or basal insulin schedule and adjust to the different time zone. Your diabetes healthcare team […]
Hypos in Older Adults: Why They’re Different and How to Reduce the Risk
Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose, or “hypo”) can happen at any age for people living with diabetes, but it carries special risks for older adults. Changes in appetite, memory, and other health conditions mean that hypos can be both harder to recognise and more dangerous as we age. Why Hypos Are Riskier in the Elderly Subtle […]
Hypos in Children: What Parents and Carers Need to Know
Hypoglycaemia (a “hypo” or low blood glucose) can be challenging for anyone living with diabetes, but for young children, recognising and managing hypos brings unique challenges. Unlike adults or older teens, children may not always be able to explain what they’re feeling – sometimes the only signs are subtle changes in behaviour. Why Hypos Are […]
Adolescence, Growth and the Risk of Hypos
Adolescence is a time of rapid change – not only emotionally and socially, but physically too. Growth spurts, changing hormones, and increased activity levels all affect blood glucose management. For young people living with type 1 diabetes, these changes can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia (hypos). Why Growth Matters During adolescence, the body needs more […]
Caffeine and Hypos
Ever grabbed your morning coffee and noticed you feel a bit shaky, sweaty, or just “off” afterward? Caffeine can have a surprisingly powerful effect on blood glucose, sometimes causing sharp spikes followed by dips that can mimic or exacerbate hypo symptoms- especially for those with diabetes. Caffeine and Blood Glucose: The Science, Simply Explained 1. […]
Menopause and Hypos
Hormonal changes during menopause can make blood glucose management more challenging for women with type 1 diabetes, leading to a heightened risk of hypoglycaemia (hypos) during this stage of life. Hormone Fluctuations During perimenopause and menopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone shift dramatically. Oestrogen may improve insulin sensitivity-helping cells use glucose more efficiently- while progesterone […]
Hypos and Exercise
Exercise is a crucial part of managing diabetes. It can help you: Diabetes and exercise can be tricky, especially when it comes to managing blood BGLs. Keep track of your BGLs before, during, and after exercise to see how your body reacts and avoid harmful fluctuations. By understanding your body’s response and following these tips, […]
Hypos and Alcohol
Most people with diabetes can safely enjoy small amounts of alcohol, however depending on the amount consumed, alcohol consumption can lead to both high and low blood glucose levels (BGLs). It’s important to be aware of these risks and how to manage them, particularly if you take insulin or Sulphonylureas (e.g. Gliclazide, Glipizide). Risks of […]
Hypoglycaemia
Otherwise known as a hypo, low blood glucose, low blood sugar Who is at Risk? Everyone with type 1 diabetes, and those with type 2 diabetes who require insulin or Sulphonylureas (e.g. Gliclazide, Glipizide) to manage their diabetes. What is a Hypo? A hypo is defined as a blood glucose level (BGL) below 4mmol. Some […]
Driving, Diabetes and Hypos
Hypos and Driving: Driving requires concentration, quick reaction time, visual clarity and sound judgement. For people using insulin, hypoglycaemia can impair all these functions. Australian guidelines recommend that people requiring insulin or sulphonylurea medication (e.g. Gliclazide or Glipizide) to manage their diabetes, should not drive if their blood glucose level (BGL) is under 5.0 mmol/L. […]