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 people don’t experience hypo symptoms, other people can experience hypo symptoms at levels higher than 4mmol, especially if their BGLs have been high and then drop quickly.
As low BGLs can cause different symptoms, it’s important that you recognize when you’re having a hypo.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Low BGLs include (but are not limited to) feeling:
- hungry
- sweaty
- lips tingling
- shaky, trembling
- dizzy
- fatigued, tired
- heartbeat is fast or pounding
- easily irritated or moody.
If not handled immediately you may then experience other symptoms as your BGL keeps dropping, and others may notice signs that you are experiencing a hypo. This is when you may need assistance from others. These signs and symptoms include:
- feeling weak
- experiencing blurred vision
- having difficulty concentrating
- feeling confused
- demonstrating unusual behaviour – like becoming clumsy, appearing ‘drunk’ or aggressive, slurred speech or confusion
- feeling sleepy
- fits (seizures), collapsing or passing out.
When low glucose occurs
HYPO DUO™ offers a convenient way to carry pre-measured carbohydrates when you’re on the go.
Responding to low glucose
General approaches to low blood glucose commonly include:
- Consuming a measured amount of fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g. around 15 g, depending on individual needs and circumstances)
- Rechecking blood glucose levels after approximately 10–15 minutes
If blood glucose levels remain below the individual’s usual target range, additional carbohydrate intake may be required.
Once blood glucose levels have returned to the individual’s usual target range, a longer-acting carbohydrate may be consumed.
Preventing Hypos
- Eat regular meals, with enough carb at each meal.
- Ensure your medication is taken as prescribed or instructed.
- Speak with your Diabetes Health Professional about how to reduce your insulin if you are eating less carb, are more physically active, have lost weight or having frequent hypos.
- You should not need to eat more to ‘keep up’ with your medication.
- Ensure your BGL is above 5mmols prior to commencing exercise or driving a vehicle.
- Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach.
- Set your alarm and check BGL at 2am to ensure you aren’t going low. Many people don’t wake to overnight hypos as they’d expect. If you wake in the morning feeling very hungry, have a higher than-expected BGL, a headache, you had a nightmare or your partner commented you were restless or confused, you may have had a hypo overnight. You may also have been lucky enough for your liver to rescue you (as it should), by releasing stored glucose, although it may result in an elevated fasting glucose reading.
Being prepared for low glucose
Have your usual low glucose management plan available
Ensure you have access to the items you may need.
Carry a source of carbohydrate
Keep HYPO DUO (or other fast-acting and longer-acting carbohydrate options) available in places you may need them:
- Car
- Handbag
- Desk
- Garage
- Workplace
- First aid kit
Monitoring blood glucose
Blood glucose levels can be checked at different times throughout the day, such as:
- Before and after meals
- Before bed
- Following exercise
- After alcohol consumption
Monitoring frequency and timing should be guided by your individual management plan.
