Hypo Guide Sheet

www.diabeticinfo.co.uk

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Hypo Guide Sheet

HYPO - A Quick Guide

Watch out for:

What to do:

Immediately take a short-acting carbohydrate, such as one of the following:

•2 or 3 Glucose tablets

•Glass of fruit juice

•Glass of lucozade or coke (Not Diet)

•Chocolate such as Mini Mars Bar or Finger of Fudge

The amount needed will vary from person to person and will depend on circumstances

Then:

Follow this with a longer-acting carbohydrate to prevent the blood glucose from dropping again, such as one of the following:

•Sandwich

•Fruit

•Biscuits or Cereals

•Or the next meal - if due

If the person is unconscious:

Do not give anything to eat or drink.

Rub ‘Hypo-stop’ (a glucose gel usually carried by Diabetics) or honey or jam on the inside of the cheeks and gently massage the outside of the cheeks.

These are absorbed through the mouth lining and are not meant to be swallowed.

Take care not to be bitten by the person when placing fingers in the mouth.

When the person has recovered, give some longer-acting carbohydrate, as above.

If the person does not recover:

Call an ambulance

What causes a ‘Hypo’?

•Vagueness •Lack of concentration •Paleness •Anxiety and irritability •Mood change

•Trembling •Hunger •Fast pulse & palpitations •Tingling of the lips •Blurred vision •Sweating

•Too much Insulin or tablets •Delayed/missed snack or meal •Not enough food

•Unplanned or strenuous exercise •Drinking alcohol without food * •Sometimes no obvious cause

* Alcohol

If you take tablets or you are on insulin to control your Diabetes, alcohol can lower your blood sugar levels and potentially lead to hypoglycaemia. It is vital that you eat enough to counteract any alcohol you drink and preferably drink in moderation, perhaps just occasionally with a meal. Alcohol does not necessarily have an immediate affect on your levels; normally, when drinking alcohol your blood sugar level may rise initially and potentially fall later on - the delayed drop could cause a Hypo.

If you wish to drink, be responsible and sensible and consider your blood sugar levels both before and after consuming alcohol. Be aware also that if you have a Hypo, some of the symptoms such as slurred speech and confusion may give the impression that you are drunk.

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