A hypo is a low blood glucose level of less than 4 mmol/L, with or without symptoms such as:

• shaking
• sweating
• tingling lips
• a racing heartbeat
• changes in mood.

Step one

If you think you are having a hypo, check your blood glucose level if possible.

You need to take 15 to 20g of rapid-acting carbohydrate immediately.

Do not eat or drink anything else at this stage.

Examples of suitable hypo treatments include:

• four to five glucose tablets
• five to seven dextrose tablets
• three to four Jelly Babies
• half a standard tube of Fruit Pastilles
• eight to 11 jelly beans
• three large marshmallows
• three to four teaspoons of sugar (5g each)
• 170ml of Lucozade Energy Original
• 150ml can of cola
• 200ml carton of pure smooth fruit juice
• two tubes of GlucoGel.

Oral treatments should only be taken when you are fully conscious to reduce the risk of choking.

Step two

Wait 10 to 15 minutes and then recheck your blood glucose level.

If it is still below 4 mmol/L, take a second hypo treatment.

Repeat this process up to three times.

If your blood glucose level is still below 4 mmol/L after the third hypo treatment, seek medical advice.

Once your blood glucose is above 4 mmol/L

No further hypo treatment is needed.

However, if your next meal is more than one hour away, eat a snack containing 15 to 20g of slow-release carbohydrate, such as:

• one slice of toast
• half a sandwich
• one medium-sized piece of fruit
• two digestive biscuits.

Getting support

If you experience hypos regularly and are not sure how to prevent them, please contact the diabetes team for advice.