Hypoglycaemia is a potentially life-threatening condition when your blood sugar is low (usually below 4 mmol/l).  All diabetics MUST learn to recognise the symptoms and how to self-treat when it happens. 

Causes

• Injected too much insulin or overdosage of diabetic medication
• Not eating enough, delayed meals or fasting
• Over exercising or over exertion
• Excessive alcohol

Symptoms & Signs

• Cold sweats, chill or shivering
• Feeling light headed, dizzy, confused or irritable
• Nausea
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Feeling tired or sleepy
• Feeling hungry
• Fast or irregular heart rate
• Fits or loss of consciousness

Treatment ’15-15 Rule’

• Step 1. Take 15 gm of SIMPLE carbohydrate (such as 1/2 glass of sweet drink or fruit juice)
• Step 2. Check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If still less than 4 mmol/l, repeat step 1
• Step 3. If blood sugar more than 4 mmol/l, take 15 gm of COMPLEX carbohydrate (such as 3 pieces of high fibre biscuits or 1 piece of fruit or 1 piece of wholemeal/brown bread

See a doctor as soon as possible if your symptoms do not improve after self treatment

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Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.