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| Diabetes & Hypoglycaemia  Professor Anthony Barnett, Professor of Medicine; University of Birmingham, and Head of Endocrine & Diabetes Services; Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust explains a little bit more about diabetes and Hypoglycaemia.
Advice from your pharmacist, GP or Diabetes Specialist Nurse should be sought in relation to treatment of diabetes and hypoglycaemia. Introduction I have worked with diabetes patients for many years. Diabetes is a chronic illness which is affecting many more people each year. When I speak to patients it’s clear that hypoglycaemia is a big concern, and for some it is a terrifying possibility. However, the message that we try to convey is that it needn't be terrifying. So long as you take care of yourself and very carefully follow the advice of your healthcare advisor, you should be able to manage your diabetes and lead a full and enjoyable life. The following information provides some general guidance on diabetes and hypoglycaemia, but further advice should be sought from your GP, Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Diabetes Clinic, or Diabetes UK. |
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What is Diabetes?
Glucose is the body's main energy source and is constantly produced by the breakdown of carbohydrates from food intake as well as from stores within the body. Diabetes Mellitus, commonly referred to as 'diabetes', exists in two major forms: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin, a hormone responsible for blood glucose control.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can make some insulin, but not enough.
If either type is not managed carefully, the levels of blood glucose may remain unacceptably high and put patients at risk of serious complications. A vast increase in the number of people with diabetes is expected in many countries in the coming years. Most of these cases will be type 2 diabetes, which can be attributed to an ageing population and a dramatic increase in rates of obesity. |
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What is Hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is low blood sugar, and occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 4mmol/l.
Hypoglycaemia is a daily fear of people with diabetes and, for many individuals, severe hypoglycaemia episodes are a major obstacle to the achievement of normal blood glucose levels and the prevention of long-term complications. |
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What is a 'Hypo'?
'Hypo' is short for hypoglycaemia. A hypo may be caused by the following:
Taking too much insulin or oral diabetes tablets.
Skipping meals, or delaying mealtimes.
Not eating enough food.
Undertaking physical exercise/exertion without adjusting intake of insulin/tablets/carbohydrates.
Alcohol consumption.
Hot weather.
Stress.
Taking certain other medicines. |
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What does a hypo feel like?
People experience different symptoms when having a hypo, and it's important to recognise your own warning signs. Some common symptoms are:
Trembling.
Sweating.
Weakness.
Difficulty concentrating.
Palpitations, fast/pounding heart.
Blurred/changed vision.
Confusion, irritability.
Anxiety, excitement.
Hunger.
Tiredness, drowsiness.
Dizziness.
Difficulty speaking.
Headache.
Nausea.
Tingling. |
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What do you do if you feel hypo?
It's essential to stay calm and act promptly. A major aspect of hypoglycaemia prevention is the low threshold that you must have for considering hypoglycaemia - in other words, know when YOU are feeling hypo and ACT IMMEDIATELY.
The following are guidelines only, as everybody's needs are different. Your GP or Diabetes Specialist Nurse will advise you on how to treat hypoglycaemia.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the following organizations:
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How can we improve hypoglycaemia management?
Education is vital from the outset regarding the prevention, recognition and treatment of hypoglycaemia. Individuals with this knowledge and understanding should be able to greatly reduce their risk of experiencing significant hypoglycaemia. Futhermore, awareness of the early warning signs of an impending episode allows patients to take an adequate supply of glucose and prevent a more serious attack.
Patients who remain in control of their diabetes with a minimum of hypoglycaemic events are more likely to achieve near normal blood glucose levels and avoid future chronic ill health, disability and premature mortality that can be associated with the disease. |
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How can I be prepared for the onset of hypo?
Frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose should reduce the frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes. It is important that meals are not skipped after taking insulin. In addition, adjustments in diet must be made if exercise or physical exertion is planned, as this may cause a lowering of glucose. An additional intake of food or a change in insulin dosage will be required. Carbohydrate/glucose should always be close to hand.
It's also inportant to share your knowledge with family, friends and work colleagues, so they know how to recognise the signs, and how to help you. |
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