HYPOGLYCAEMIA WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Hypos:

(Where blood glucose levels drop too low) are an inevitable part of life for many people living with diabetes, particularly those taking insulin. For some, they are a minor inconvenience, easily fixed with a few jelly beans. For others, they are a major disruption to life, causing social embarrassment, affecting relationships, and preventing people from working, driving or taking part in activities they enjoy.

WHAT IS A HYPO?

Hypoglycaemia, or a hypo for short, occurs when your blood glucose level drops below 3.9mmol/L. Both insulin and some diabetes tablets (called sulphonylureas) can cause hypos.

The symptoms of a hypo vary from one person to the next but include:

■ Feeling weak, shaky, dizzy and/or lightheaded

■ excessive sweating

■ finding it hard to concentrate

■ behaviour changes such as being irritable, angry or emotional

■ feeling hungry