Diabetes : What is a hypo? (BD Medical - Diabetes Care)

  
 

   

If your blood sugar level drops too low, there won’t be enough sugar in your blood stream for the insulin to feed the cells of your body. That is what we call hypoglycaemia or "hypo".
Try to remember how you feel when you have a hypo and make sure that your friends and teachers know what to look for if it ever happens.

Here are some of the symptoms that you may feel:

  • Hunger.
  • Shaking/wobbly legs.
  • Butterflies in tummy.
  • Pale and sweating.
  • Headache and faintness.
  • Sleepy or irritable.
  • Blurred vision.
There are different reasons why you can have a hypo but it’s mainly when you’ve had:
  • Too much insulin
  • Not enough food
  • An unusual amount of exercise
  • A delayed meal
  • Stress or hot weather

What to do if you have a hypo?
   
Take sugar or food containing sugar straight away followed by a sandwich or digestive biscuits.

Alternatively, if conscious and able to swallow, HypostopTM can be used. This is a sugary gel that can be rubbed onto your lips and gums. If it doesn’t work, you may need to be given an injection of glucagon and possibly go to hospital to see a doctor.


It is very important that you always have sweet foods or sugar with you.
Other people may not know that you have diabetes. You should carry an ID card or ID tag saying that you have diabetes and explaining what to do if you’re not feeling well.