health guides

“Hypoglycaemia” is the medical term for low blood sugar (glucose).

People with diabetes who use medications, particularly insulin, to control their blood glucose sometimes develop hypoglycaemia. This can be caused by not having a stable intake of carbs—not eating enough of them, eating them erratically, or not adjusting for an increase in physical activity—to balance the blood glucose-lowering effect of these medications.^{1, 2}

Early symptoms of hypoglycaemia typically come on quickly and can include shakiness, anxiety, irritability, hunger, confusion, light headedness, and rapid heartbeat, but some people do not experience or detect these early symptoms.³ Hypoglycaemia can contribute to falls, accidents, and other kinds of injuries; if untreated, it can progress from severe confusion to unconsciousness, seizure, coma, or even death.⁴ In addition, over time, people with diabetes who have repeated episodes of hypoglycaemia appear to have a higher risk of dementia.⁵

People who use insulin to control their diabetes can generally prevent hypoglycaemia by using their insulin as prescribed and sticking to an eating pattern that provides the same amounts of carbs at the same times each day. Using a blood glucose monitor can help people identify when their blood glucose is getting low so they can take steps to prevent hypoglycaemia. Alcohol makes controlling blood glucose levels with insulin difficult, so drinking alcohol in moderation is best.⁶

People with diabetes using diabetes medications other than insulin can usually prevent hypoglycaemia by eating on a regular schedule, making wise food choices, and having a consistent exercise programme. Fasting for lab tests, delaying meals, increasing physical activity, and sleeping are examples of situations that increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. Being aware of the risks, watching for symptoms, and monitoring blood glucose can help people with diabetes act fast to avoid hypoglycaemia.⁷