Also known as a "hypo" or low blood sugar, this condition requires immediate treatment to prevent serious complications. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms and knowing how to respond quickly can help you manage hypoglycaemia safely and effectively.
This guide provides essential information for anyone managing diabetes with insulin or certain diabetes medications.
What you will learn in this fact sheet
This fact sheet provides critical information for recognising and treating hypoglycaemia.
- Common causes of low blood glucose levels.
- Symptoms to watch for and when to seek help.
- Step-by-step treatment guidelines.
- How to prevent future episodes.
Common causes of hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia can occur when:
- You've taken too much insulin or diabetes tablets.
- You haven't eaten enough carbohydrate in a meal or snack.
- You haven't reduced your insulin dose before physical activity.
- You've been drinking alcohol without eating carbohydrates.
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia
Common symptoms include:
- sweating
- shaking
- headache
- lack of concentration
- hunger
- feeling irritable.
Other symptoms can include:
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- pins and needles around your mouth
- unusual behaviours
- loss of consciousness.
Symptoms vary between individuals. Learn to recognise your own warning signs.
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This evidence-based fact sheet was developed by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, where our team provides specialist diabetes education and support.
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Treating hypoglycaemia
Step 1: Immediate treatment
If your blood glucose level is less than 4.0mmol/L, treat immediately with one of the following options containing 15 grams of carbohydrate:
- Glucose shot (1 bottle = 60mls).
- Jelly beans (3–5 depending on brand).
- Regular soft drink, not diet (150ml or small glass).
- Oral glucose gel (1 tube).
- Glucose tablets (3 tablets).
Step 2: Wait and recheck
Wait 10–15 minutes and recheck your blood glucose level.
- If still less than 4mmol/L — repeat Step 1 again.
- If more than 4mmol/L — follow with additional carbohydrate as outlined below...
Step 3: Follow-up treatment
Once blood glucose is above 4mmol/L, eat one of the following lower-GI carbohydrate snacks:
- 1 piece of fruit such as an apple or banana.
- slice of grain bread.
- 300ml of milk.
- 1 muesli bar.
OR
Eat a meal containing carbohydrate such as:
- grain bread sandwich
- pasta or basmati rice
- corn or sweet potato.
Important safety reminders
- Report hypoglycaemia episodes to your healthcare professionals.
- Dial 000 for an ambulance if you're unable to manage the situation.
- o not give food or fluids to an unconscious person.
- Always carry fast-acting carbohydrate with you.
- Wear medical identification jewellery.
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Need personalised advice?
For individual guidance on managing hypoglycaemia tailored to your diabetes management plan, contact the Baker Institute's diabetes education team.