Hypoglycaemia
Hypo (low) + glycaemia (glucose) = low blood glucose
Hypoglycaemia or 'hypos' normally occur when the blood glucose level drops below 4mmol/l. It is only possible to have a hypo if you are taking certain tablets and/or insulin.
When you first start insulin you have probably had higher than normal blood glucose levels. You may experience hypo symptoms earlier with blood glucose readings above 4mmol/l. This will improve as your body adjusts to improved diabetes control.
Symptoms
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Hunger
- Tingling of the lips
- Confusion
- Unsteadiness
- Palpitations (heart beating faster)
- Mood changes (often irritable)
Causes
- If you miss a meal
- If your meal is delayed
- If you don't eat enough carbohydrate with a meal
- If you take part in unplanned or more strenuous exercise
- If you inject too much insulin by mistake
- If you are taking too much diabetes medication
- If you drink too much alcohol on an empty stomach
- Heat causes insulin to be absorbed quicker, for example saunas, showers straight after injecting and hot weather
Treatment
The quickest way to treat hypoglycaemia is a measured amount of pure glucose in liquid form (15-20g). This will be released immediately into the blood stream.
Examples of suitable liquids: 100-120ml Lucozade
200ml Lucozade Sport TM
200ml normal cola
150-200ml concentrated orange juice
Other examples: five to six jelly babies, four to five glucose tablets.
Once a hypo has been treated successfully, it is advisable to take some longer acting carbohydrate such as fruit, a muesli bar, yoghurt or have your meal as soon as possible.
