Diabetes Australia: Hypoglycaemia Treatment

What is Hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia, sometimes referred to as low blood glucose or low blood sugar, is a condition where the level of glucose in your blood drops below the normal range. Glucose is an essential source of energy for the body, and when it drops too low, it can cause a range of symptoms, including confusion, shakiness, hunger, sweating, and fatigue.

Hypoglycaemia can be caused by a number of factors, including: taking too much insulin or other diabetes medication, not eating enough food, skipping meals, and exercising excessively. People with diabetes, especially those taking insulin, are at a higher risk of experiencing hypoglycaemia, as their medication can cause their blood glucose levels to drop too low.

Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia

The symptoms of hypoglycaemia can vary from person to person, but some common signs and symptoms include: feeling weak or shaky, sweating, hunger, confusion, irritability, headache, blurred vision, and fatigue. If left untreated, hypoglycaemia can lead to seizures and coma.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to test your blood glucose levels and take steps to raise them. If your blood glucose is below 4 mmol/L, it is important to take action to raise it.

Treating Hypoglycaemia

If you experience hypoglycaemia, it is important to treat it quickly and effectively. The best way to do this is to eat or drink a quick source of carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets, honey, or fruit juice. This should raise your blood glucose levels within 15 minutes.

If you are taking insulin, it is important to also take a small snack containing some protein, such as a few nuts or a piece of cheese, to help prevent your blood glucose levels from dropping too low again.

It is also important to speak to your doctor or diabetes healthcare team about making any changes to your diabetes management plan, to help reduce your risk of experiencing hypoglycaemia in the future.

Preventing Hypoglycaemia

There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent hypoglycaemia. These include: ensuring that your diabetes medication is correctly adjusted for your needs, monitoring your blood glucose levels regularly, eating regular meals and snacks, and exercising regularly.

It is also important to carry glucose tablets, snacks, and drinks with you, in case your blood glucose levels drop too low. If you are taking insulin, it is important to always have a source of carbohydrate with you, such as glucose tablets, to treat any episodes of hypoglycaemia.

Diabetes Australia Hypoglycaemia Resources

Diabetes Australia offers a range of resources to help people with diabetes understand and manage hypoglycaemia. These include: fact sheets, online courses, and webinars.

Diabetes Australia also offers a range of support services, including phone and online counselling, to help people with diabetes manage their condition.

People Also Ask

How do you treat hypoglycaemia?

The best way to treat hypoglycaemia is to eat or drink a quick source of carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets, honey, or fruit juice. This should raise your blood glucose levels within 15 minutes. If you are taking insulin, it is important to also take a small snack containing some protein, such as a few nuts or a piece of cheese, to help prevent your blood glucose levels from dropping too low again.

What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia?

The symptoms of hypoglycaemia can vary from person to person, but some common signs and symptoms include: feeling weak or shaky, sweating, hunger, confusion, irritability, headache, blurred vision, and fatigue. If left untreated, hypoglycaemia can lead to seizures and coma.

What is the normal range for blood glucose levels?

The normal range for blood glucose levels is typically between 4-7 mmol/L. If your blood glucose level drops below 4 mmol/L, it is important to take action to raise it.

Conclusion

Hypoglycaemia is a common complication of diabetes, and it is important to understand how to recognise and manage it. Eating or drinking a quick source of carbohydrate is the best way to treat hypoglycaemia. It is also important to make any necessary changes to your diabetes management plan, to help reduce your risk of experiencing hypoglycaemia in the future. If you have any questions or concerns about hypoglycaemia, it is important to speak to your doctor or diabetes healthcare team.

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