What is Hypoglycaemia ? (Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar is when blood glucose levels drops dangerously low. It is often referred to as a "hypo".

Hypoglycaemia can be a medical emergency if blood levels get too low. Generally blood glucose levels below 4 mmol/L are considered dangerous. Hypoglycaemia can be life threatening.

Hypoglycaemia is more of a problem with people injecting insulin. However, hypoglycaemia, can also occur whilst people are on certain medications for diabetes, exercise too much, eat too little or have an infection. 

Caring for someone with hypoglyceamia

If you are caring for someone with diabetes it is important to recognise the symptoms of low blood sugar and know what to do. Always ask a doctor or diabetes educator to outline a plan in case of a "hypo".

Detecting low blood sugar in older people can often be difficult as symptoms can go unnoticed or confused with other medical problems.

People living with dementia and diabetes will also rely more on their carers to detect the signs of hypoglycaemia as they may not be able to communicate how they feel.

After time most carers become very adept at recognising the subtle changes in a person's condition and can often predict when a "hypo" may occur.

Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia 

If you are caring for someone with diabetes it is important to recognise the symptoms of low blood sugar and know what to do.

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:

• Sweating
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Hunger
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Numbness or tingling in the lips and fingers  

What to do if a person is having a "hypo"

Management of hypoglycaemia involves getting the blood sugar levels back to a near normal state by giving the person glucose (sugar).

Your doctor or diabetes educator should have a diabetic care plan in place that tells you what to do when blood sugar levels get too low. Leave a diabetic care plan in a prominent place. In case of an emergency always have a glucose product or glucagon pen on hand.

In the event of hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar. Diabetes Australia suggest giving:

• 1/2 a can of soft drink OR
• 1/2 a glass of orange juice OR
• 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey OR
• 6-7 jellybeans OR
• glucose tablets equivalent to 15 grams

After 10 -15 minutes if the glucose reading is not rising give another quick acting carbohydrate.

A longer acting carbohydrate should be given if the next meal is more than 20 minutes away.

• A sandwich OR
• 1 glass of milk OR
• 1 piece of fruit OR
• 2-3 pieces of dried fruit 

Source Diabetes Australia 2009

If the glucose level continues to fall to the point where the person is unable to swallow, difficult to rouse or becomes unconscious call 000.

They should not be forced to take anything by mouth and the person should be placed on their side.

Hypoglycaemia if left untreated can lead to coma and even death. 

Glucagon Pen

Some people carry with them a glucagon pen. Glucagon is a hormone that will raise blood glucose levels promptly if a person has a severe hypoglycaemic episode that doesn't respond to other action. It is delivered via a pen much like an insulin needle.

If you are caring for someone with diabetes who carries a glucagon pen ask a diabetes educator to show you how to use it.

If someone you care for has frequent "hypos" its a good idea to carry glucose lozenges or lucozade in case of a hypoglycaemic event. Also encourage them to wear identification such as a medic alert bracelet stating they are diabetic.

Helpful resources

• For information about diabetes or help managing diabetes visit Diabetes Australia at www.diabetesaustralia.com.au or call the Diabetes Australia Infoline on 1300136 588.

References

Diabetes Australia
Hypoglycaemia
Accessed 30/04/09