Hypoglycaemia... Diabetes Australia

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06 July 2010

Diabetes Awareness Week 2010

Diabetes Australia-NSW will be spreading the message across the state about the link between diabetes and kidney disease this Diabetes Awareness Week from 11-17 July.

25 June 2010

Congratulations to Jimmy Little on success at APRA awards

Diabetes Australia-NSW would like to congratulate Jimmy Little after he was recognised on Monday for his achievements in music.

07 July 2010

New type 2 diabetes medication may help in type 1

A new medication for type 2 diabetes may also benefit those with type 1, reducing the rise in blood glucose levels following a meal and possibly lowering insulin needs.

29 June 2010

Insulin pump prevents night-time hypos

A special insulin pump which uses continuous glucose monitoring to predict hypoglycaemia and stop delivering insulin can help reduce the number of overnight hypos, according to a new study.

Hypoglycaemia

What is hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose or a hypo) occurs when the blood glucose level (BGL) drops to below 4 mmol/L, or when symptoms are being experienced at a level close to this. It is important to treat the hypo quickly to stop the BGL from dropping even lower.

Causes of hypoglycaemia:
-Delaying or missing a meal
-Not eating enough carbohydrate
-More strenuous physical activity than usual
-Too much insulin
-Drinking alcohol
-Unplanned physical activity

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia:
-Sweating
-Paleness
-Hunger
-Weakness
-Changes in mood or behaviour
-Weeping
-Irritability
-Drowsiness

If not treated quickly the BGL can continue to drop which may progress to:
-Loss of co-ordination
-Slurred speech
-Confusion
-Loss of consciousness
-Seizure

Some people, however, may not experience any symptoms or may not feel their symptoms coming on (hypo unawareness). If you are driving and experience a hypo pull over immediately.

You should always carry hypo treatment with you. Standard treatment for a mild to moderate hypo is to immediately eat or drink some easily absorbed quick-acting carbohydrate:

Step 1
1/2 can soft drink (not diet)OR
1/2 glass fruit juice or a small tetrapak
150ml of regular soft drink OR
Glucose tablets equivalent to 15 grams OR
Three teaspoons of sugar or honey OR
Six to seven jelly beans

Step 2
If your next meal is more than 20 minutes away, you should follow up with some-longer acting carbohydrate:
A sandwich OR
A piece of fruit OR
A glass of milk OR
1 tub of natural yoghurt OR
6 small dry biscuits and cheese

Wait 10-15 minutes. Re-test your BGL to ensure it has risen to above 4mmol/L. It may take 10-15 minutes to see a rise in BGLs. If symptoms persist or your BGL remains below 4mmol/L repeat Step 1

Most people with type 1 diabetes have hypos and you may not develop any problems that affect your day to day lives. However, severe hypoglycaemia, where you cannot help yourself, is a serious occurrence and can be life threatening. It can also be stressful for family and partners.

What to do if the person with diabetes is drowsy, unable to swallow or is unconscious:

The person should not be given anything to eat or drink. Instead they should be placed in the recovery position, keeping their airway clear, and an ambulance should be called stating a ‘diabetes emergency’. They may need an injection of Glucagon (a hormone that raises blood glucose levels) - a friend or a relative can be taught how to give this. Following a Glucagon injection, BGLs need to be monitored and a longer acting carbohydrate eaten if a meal is more than 20 minutes away.

* This step is not always necessary in a person using an insulin pump
NB Always remember to carry hypo treatment.