Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycemia, or hypo as most people with diabetes say, occurs when the blood sugar falls to a level below 4 mmol/l. In this section, you can read about the symptoms of hypoglycemia and precautions you must take to avoid it.
What is hypoglycaemia?
People with Type 1 diabetes are always treated with insulin. The aim of the insulin treatment is to lower blood sugar levels so that they are as close as possible to those of a person without diabetes. However, with insulin it is possible that blood sugar falls below the normal level, a condition known as “hypoglycaemia” (low blood sugar) or “hypo”. Blood sugar is considered low when it is below 4 mmol. You might experience a variety of symptoms, described below. They will warn you about this condition, so that you can counteract it.
Experience hypoglycaemia
If you experience hypoglycaemia, you'll probably have some of the following symptoms: you may feel sweaty or shaky, you may feel anxious or dizzy, you may lose your concentration, and you'll probably turn pale. You may not experience all of these symptoms. Low blood sugar feels different to different people. What is important is that you learn to recognise your warning signs of low blood sugar.
If you feel low blood sugar
If you feel you have low blood sugar, you should eat or drink something that contains sugar right away. Your doctor may have recommended that you take between 10 and 20 grams of "fast-acting" sugar. This could be some boiled sweets or 100 ml of a regular soft drink. If your next meal is more than an hour away, you should also eat a sandwich or a biscuit. If you don't feel better in 15-30 minutes, test your blood sugar. If it is still low, take more fast-acting sugar, or your blood sugar may become so low that you'll be unable to help yourself.
Teach your friends
Your blood sugar may drop so low that you're too confused to help yourself. That's why it's important that you teach your friends how they can help you. They should make you eat glucose sweets, have a some regular soft drink or juice, or take another form of "fast-acting" sugar. If your blood sugar becomes so low that you pass out, your friends - if they have been instructed in how to do it - should give you an injection of glucagon and quickly call an ambulance. When you wake up, you'll need some juice and a sandwich.
You may feel low if you
You may start to feel symptoms of low blood sugar: if you miss or postpone a meal or simply don't eat enough; if you exercise more than usual; if you take too much insulin; or if you drink too much alcohol. Don't forget that you may feel the signs of hypoglycaemia differently if you are changing to a tighter control of your blood sugar.
Blood sugar near normal
Few people with diabetes can avoid episodes of low blood sugar completely. Hypoglycaemia is, to some extent a result of trying to keep the blood sugar near to normal. Most people who strive for good blood sugar control, experience hypoglycaemia more often. It's important that you learn to recognise your particular warning signs and take action right away, when you feel low.
Dealing with hypoglycaemia
Here's some general advice on how to deal with hypoglycaemia. Always remember to carry food or drink containing fast-acting sugar and take your diabetes ID card with you. Tell those around you how they can help if your blood sugar is low. Test your blood sugar regularly, particularly if you suspect hypoglycaemia, and adjust your insulin dose, exercise and diet accordingly. If you decide to drink alcohol, remember to go easy and to eat snacks while you're drinking. This helps to keep your blood sugar in the target range. If you think your blood sugar is low, you should not drive a car. Don't risk passing out at the wheel and hurting someone. Remember these tips and you'll probably avoid the more serious problems of low blood sugar.
APP KOL/AC 22/02/07