What Is Hypoglycaemia and Why Is It Important?

Hypoglycaemia happens when your blood sugar level drops too low, below 4 mmol/L. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy, and when levels are too low, it can’t work as it should. Hypoglycaemia can be dangerous, so knowing how to recognise and treat it is vital.

It's also important to let your family and friends know about hypoglycaemia and how they can help in an emergency.

What Increases Your Risk of Hypoglycaemia?

You are more likely to have low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) if you:

• Taking insulin or sulfonylureas (such as gliclazide or glimepiride).
• Drink too much alcohol.
• Have recent changes in:
  
  • Body weight
  • Medications
  • Meal schedules
  • Exercise intensity

Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia

• Sweating or cold, clammy skin.
• Shaking or feeling dizzy.
• A fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Headaches or hunger.
• Weakness, tiredness, or anxiety.
• Vision problems, like blurry or double vision.
• Irritability, sleepiness, or confusion.
• Trouble speaking clearly, such as slurred words.

Severe symptoms can include seizures or loss of consciousness.

Treating Hypoglycaemia

If you think your blood sugar is low:

1. Check your blood sugar level. If it’s below 4 mmol/L, take action.
2. Eat 15–20g of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as:
   
   • 200ml of orange or apple juice.
   • 5 glucose or dextrose tablets.
   • 5 jelly babies.
   • Two tubes of glucose gel.
3. Recheck your blood sugar after 15 minutes.
   
   • If it’s still below 4 mmol/L, repeat the above steps.
4. Once your blood sugar is 4 mmol/L or higher, eat 15–20g of long-acting carbohydrates, such as:
   
   • 2 biscuits.
   • 1 slice of bread.
   • 200–300ml of milk.

What If You Lose Consciousness?

Tell your family, friends, or co-workers not to give you anything to eat or drink if you’re drowsy or unconscious. Instead, they should:

• Place you in the recovery position.
• Call 999 immediately.
• If they are trained, they can give an intramuscular injection of glucagon.

Driving and Hypoglycaemia

If you drive, it’s important to follow these rules:

• Blood glucose must be above 5 mmol/L before driving.
• If it’s below 5 mmol/L, eat a snack first.
• If it’s below 4 mmol/L or you feel symptoms, do not drive until treated.
• After correcting low blood sugar (at least 5 mmol/L), wait 45 minutes before driving again.
• Always carry an emergency kit (see below).
• Check your blood sugar less than two hours before driving and every two hours during long journeys.

If you drive specific vehicles, you might need to inform the DVLA about your medication. Speak to your GP or clinician for guidance.

Create a Hypoglycaemia Emergency Kit

If you’re at risk of hypoglycaemia, prepare a kit and let friends or family know where it is. Include:

• Emergency contact details.
• Your medical ID, glucometer, and test strips.
• Glucose tablets or another rapid-acting carbohydrate (to use if conscious).
• A pre-filled glucagon syringe with instructions for use.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about managing hypoglycaemia, speak with your Doctor, diabetes team, or Roczen clinician for further support.

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