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Hypoglycaemia (or a 'hypo') occurs when
the level of glucose in the blood falls too low, usually under 4 mmol/l. When
this happens the person often experiences 'warning signs', which occur as the
body tries to raise the blood glucose level. These 'warning signs' vary from
person to person but often include feeling shaky, sweating, tingling in the
lips, going pale, heart pounding, confusion and irritability.
Treatment is very simple and requires
taking some fast acting carbohydrate, such as a sugary drink or some glucose
tablets, and follow this up with a starchy snack, such as a sandwich. If left
untreated the person will, eventually, become unconscious and will need to be
treated with an injection of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood glucose
levels).
Hypos are not normally dangerous in
themselves. In the vast majority of cases the body will release its own stores
of glucose and raise the blood glucose level to normal, though this may take
several hours. Many people have hypos while they are asleep and come to no harm.
However, being unconscious is always dangerous, because of the risk of choking,
and treatment should be sought immediately if someone with diabetes is found
unconscious.
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