Hypoglycaemia
My friend has diabetes and has mentioned she sometimes has "hypos". Can you tell me what a hypo is and what causes it?
A hypo - which is short for hypoglycaemia - happens when blood glucose levels go below a certain level (approximately 4 mmol/l or less). When this happens, people with diabetes can feel unwell and experience a wide range of symptoms.
They may be shaky, dizzy or have heart palpitations. They may also feel anxious or excited, sick or hungry, complain of having a headache or blurred vision. Hypoglycaemic episodes can happen for a variety of reasons including taking too much insulin or oral diabetic tablets, missing or delaying a meal or because of strenuous exercise.
It can also happen during another illness such as vomiting or diarrhoea or infection. Alcohol consumption can also trigger it, as can hot weather. In some cases the cause is unknown.
Are hypos dangerous?
In most incidents the person will know they are having a hypo and will be able to rectify the problem themselves. However, sometimes the person having a hypo may be unaware that they are unwell, but others will notice that they look or seem different.
They may be pale, seem confused, agitated or lack concentration. They may become aggressive, disorientated or appear intoxicated. If a hypo attack is not treated, the person can lose consciousness.
How do you treat a hypo?
As soon as the person becomes aware that they are feeling unwell they should take steps to balance their glucose levels by eating something high in glucose such as glucose sweets or a sugary drink (not a diet drink).
Once they start to feel a bit better they should eat some high carbohydrate food such as a sandwich or fruit.
If, however, your friend has missed the early signs of the hypo but you notice she seems unwell then you may need to get her to take a sugary drink. She may be agitated or confused at this point so some persuasion may be needed. Once she feels a bit better, get her to eat.
If at any point she becomes unconscious, it is vital that you do not try to make her eat or drink anything as she may choke.
Turn her on her side in the recovery position and call an ambulance immediately. Some people with diabetes carry an injectable medication, glucagon, which raises the level of glucose in the blood.
If she has been given this, then it is important that she, her family and her friends know how to use it in case of emergency. Her doctor or diabetic nurse will be able to help her with this aspect of her diabetes management.
Marion Kerr