www.diabeteschannel.com.au

Home | Login or Become a Member  
Sitemap
  • Latest News
  • Latest Research
04 March 2010
A message from the CEO of Diabetes Australia-NSW on Australian Government Health Reforms
 
The Australian Government yesterday announced major reforms to Australia’s health and hospital system.
 
26 February 2010
Diabetes increases dementia risk in older people
 
British researchers have found that older people with mild cognitive impairment are three times more likely to develop dementia if they have diabetes.
 
09 March 2010
Combined diet and exercise the key to improving insulin resistance
 
Combining diet and exercise rather than diet and exercise alone leads to significantly greater improvements in body fat distribution and insulin resistance, according to the findings of a new study.
 
04 March 2010
Salt intake linked with stroke, heart disease risk
 
A new Italian study suggests that by lowering our salt intake we could substantially reduce the amount of deaths from heart disease and stroke worldwide.
 

Hypoglycaemia (Hypo)

For Indigenous AustraliansWhat is a Hypo?
• A hypo is when your blood glucose (sugar) level goes too low.
• This can happen when you take some kinds of diabetes tablets or insulin for your diabetes.
• If you don’t take tablets or insulin, then a hypo isn’t going to be a worry.

What causes a hypo?
• Too much medication or insulin
• Skipping meals or snacks
• Extra or unplanned activity without eating
• Drink too much alcohol or drinking on an empty stomach.
The level for a hypo is about 4mmol/l. But it can happen at higher or lower levels.

Signs of a "Hypo"
• Sweaty
• Hungry
• Dizzy
• Shaky
• Faster heart beat
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Not able to think clearly

How can I prevent a hypo?
• Check your blood glucose level regularly
• Take your medications/insulin as directed
• Don’t skip meals
• Limit/avoid alcohol: Don’t drink on an empty stomach
• Carry hypo treatment with you

How to fix a hypo:
• Eat 5-7 jelly beans or
• Drink half a cup regular (not diet) soft drink or
• Have 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey
If you can - check your blood glucose level.
If it is more than 20 minutes to your next meal, eat something like:
• A sandwich or
• A piece of fruit or
• A glass of milk or
• 6 small dry biscuits

If you don’t feel better:
After 10-15 minutes, if you do not feel better repeat the jelly beans, or soft drink or sugar or honey treatment.

Treat Quickly:
It is important to treat a hypo quickly. If it isn’t treated it can get worse and cause:
• Slurred speech (people might think you are drunk and you are not)
• Confusion
• Fitting

What else should you do?
• Make sure your family and friends know about hypos and what to do if you have one
• Look for the reason you had the hypo
• Carry your hypo treatment with you
• Wear identification that says you have diabetes
• Test your blood glucose level before driving
• Tell your doctor if you are having lots of hypos (more than a couple a week) or if you have been unconscious

What if I can’t swallow or am unconscious?
• If you can’t swallow or can’t be woken: your friends and family should ring 000.
• It is not safe to give food or drink if you can’t swallow or are unconscious.

 

Last updated 4/1/2008

 

Billboard
DiabetesKidsandTeens
A special website for kids and teens with type 1 diabetes
Issues
Our member magazine. Latest edition out now.
Ask a question
Have your questions answered by our dietitians. Login as a member to ask your question.
Become a hero!
Share your unique and inspiring story
Join us on Facebook
Be a fan of Diabetes Australia-NSW on Facebook
Health and Education Events
Ways to improve management
Programs and Seminars throughout the year.