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This information sheet has been given to you by Paramedics because they have treated you for hypoglycaemia (also known as a ‘hypo’ or ‘low blood glucose/sugar’). It contains important information on how to look after yourself and what to do if your condition changes.

Key messages

• If you have had an episode of low blood sugar (whether treated by ambulance or not), ensure you eat a small meal with complex carbohydrates - such as a sandwich, dried fruit or yoghurt - to prevent it happening again soon.
• Try and stay in the company of someone who can monitor you for 4 hours after an episode of low blood sugar, in case it becomes low again.
• There are a number of causes of low blood sugar. If you have had an episode, see your local doctor or diabetes educator within 24 hours for a review.

What is hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood glucose (blood sugar). Hypoglycaemia usually occurs in people who have Type 1 Diabetes (who take insulin only) but can occasionally occur in people who have Type 2 Diabetes (who take tablets and may also take insulin). People who have hypoglycaemia may become confused, aggressive, sleepy or unconscious. Hypoglycaemia can be very dangerous if it is not treated.

What causes hypoglycaemia?

Many things can cause hypoglycaemia in diabetic people including:

• not eating enough food, delaying or skipping meals
• taking too much insulin or oral diabetes medications
• current illness or infection such as ‘the flu’ or ‘gastro’
• drinking alcohol
• increased levels of physical exercise, or unplanned physical activity.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Hypoglycaemia can cause people to become:

• confused
• weak, shaky and sweaty
• light headed
• drowsy
• aggressive
• unconscious
• appear alcohol or drug affected
• difficulty speaking or walking
• slurred speech.

Treatment and home care

Paramedics have treated you and have determined that you do not need to go to hospital. However it is important that you take steps to ensure that you remain healthy in the next few hours.

• Eat a small meal as soon as possible to ensure that your blood glucose level does not become too low again. This meal must contain complex carbohydrates, such as a sandwich, dried fruit or yoghurt.
• Monitor your blood glucose level. If your blood glucose is high for the next few hours, do not treat it with insulin. Fluctuations in blood sugar are normal after an episode of hypoglycaemia.
• Ensure that a responsible adult remains with you for at least the next four hours in case your blood glucose becomes low again.
• Watch for the above signs of hypoglycaemia. If these symptoms are returning, you need to eat or drink a source of sugar such as:
  • 150 - 200 mL of fruit juice or soft drink (not “diet” or “zero” brands)
  • 6 - 7 jelly beans or other sweets
  • 20 g of glucose tablets
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
• Make sure to see your local doctor or diabetes educator within 24 hours for a review.

Prevention

The best way to avoid hypoglycaemia is to keep a close watch on your blood sugar levels and become familiar with how they can change depending on what you’re doing. Ensure that you eat regular meals and that you do not skip or “double-up” on doses of medication, especially insulin.

Emergency help

Call an ambulance again if any of the following occur:

• Symptoms do not improve after eating or drinking sugar.
• The person appears confused or “not right”.
• The person is not awake enough to eat or drink.
• The person is unconscious.

Seeking help

Consult your local doctor or diabetes educator for information on managing diabetes.

If you are unwell, contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED). You will be connected to emergency doctors and nurses who will provide medical advice. Please note you will need a device (mobile phone, tablet, computer) with a camera to use this service.

VVED is a public health service to treat non-life-threatening emergencies.

Contact VVED through the website vved.org.au. If you experience issues, please call 9485 9070.

Want to know more?

• Ask your local doctor or health care professional.
• Visit the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Ambulance Victoria is a critical link in Victoria's healthcare system. We welcome your comments as they assist us to improve our services. If you wish to provide feedback, please contact Patient Experience and Consumer Participation Department either via patientexperience@ambulance.vic.gov.au or telephone 1800 875 137.