Hypoglycaemia

Possible causes of a hypo

• too much insulin
• not eating enough starch food
• delaying meal of snack
• during or after exercise
• stress
• hot water
• excessive/too much alcohol

Things to watch for

Hunger

Paleness

Sweating

Headache

Blurred vision

Glazed expression

Irritability/change in behaviour

Lack of concentration

Sleepiness

Confusion

Tearfulness

Trembling

Sometimes the child may have a fit similar to a febrile convulsion, although this is not common.

What to do

If you are not sure, check blood glucose to confirm that it is a hypo.  If no equipment is available, treat as a hypo anyway.  Give food and drink containing sugar e.g. one of the following: -

• 50ml Lucozade
• 3 glucose tablets
• 100ml fresh fruit juice
• 100ml cola or Lemonade

• 150ml diluted Ribena
• 5 fruit pastilles
• 5 jelly babies
• 2 teaspoons of honey or jam

If the child is still feeling hypo after 10 minutes, repeat the remedy.  Always follow the remedy with some starchy carbohydrate to prevent further hypos (e.g. bread, plain biscuits, fruit) or give next meal or snack if due.

Chocolate is not a suitable remedy for hypos as the fat content slows down the absorption of the sugar.

Hypostop

This is a glucose gel which is given if the child is unable to eat or drink.  Squirt Hypostop into the inside of the cheeks and gently massage them ont the outside.  It does not have to be swallowed.  Once the child is feeling better, follow up with starchy carbohydrate as above.

NEVER use Hypostop if the child is unrousable.

Glucagon

This is a hormone which can be given if the child becomes unconscious because of a hypo.  It allows the body to use its stores of glucose.  The powder needs to be mixed with the liquid in the vial before using.  See pictures below.

Your Diabetes Nurse Specialist can show you how and when to use this and advise on the dose.  It needs to be followed by a sugary drink and starchy food once the child is better.  If Glucagon is needed, seek medical advice or contact a member of your Diabetes Team.