Hypoglycaemia (hypo) and Hyperglycaemia
While hypoglycaemia occurs when your blood glucose levels drop
(usually below 4.0mmol/L) hyperglycaemia occurs when the levels are
too high (usually above 15mmol/L).
Hypos can be caused by missing a meal, not eating enough
carbohydrates for a given dose of insulin, unplanned physical
activity, strenuous exercise or drinking alcohol.
Symptoms of a hypo are:
- Weakness, trembling or shaking
- Sweating
- Light headedness/headache
- Lack of concentration
- Behaviour change
- Dizziness
- Tearfulness/crying
- Irritability
- Numbness around the lips/fingers
- Hunger
A hypo is treated by having a quick-acting glucose, such as
Lucozade, 6 to 7 jellybeans, 3 teaspoons of honey, 100mls of full
strength soft drink or 150-200mls of fruit juice.
Hyperglycaemia is caused by not enough insulin, eating too much
carbohydrate food, sickness or infection, stress or reduced
physical activity.
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia
- Excessive thirst
- Lethargy
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Lack of concentration
- Change in behaviour (usually irritable)
Tell your family, friends and colleagues about hypos, how to
recognise the symptoms and how to treat them. Make sure they
know to call 000 if you become unconscious, drowsy
or unable to swallow, stating that it is a diabetes
emergency. It is important that your support person does
not try to feed you; instead they should lay you
on your side and check that your airway is
clear. Then they should wait with you
until the ambulance arrives.