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Be hypo-aware. What happens when you run out of fuel?

What is a hypo?

A hypo happens when your blood glucose level falls too low. Your body is telling you that you’re running low on energy and you need a sugary snack.

What causes a hypo?

• Too much insulin
• A delayed or missed meal
• Insufficient food
• Unplanned or tough exercise
• Sometimes there may be no obvious cause

Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Hunger
• Shakiness
• Mood change
• Sweating
• Lack of concentration
• Fast pulse
• Pallor (paleness)

What to do:

It’s important to treat a hypo as quickly as possible. If you do nothing your blood glucose level will continue to fall and you could become unconscious. You should just relax and get someone to bring you something sugary, such as:

• A glass of fizzy sugary drink, fruit juice or other non-diet drink
• Three or more glucose tablet
• Five sweets

The exact amount you need will vary depending on your individual circumstances. To prevent your glucose from dropping again follow this sugary snack with a longer acting carbohydrate such as:

• Roll/sandwich
• Cereal bar
• Portion of fruit or a pack of dried fruit
• Two biscuits

If after 15 minutes you are still experiencing any signs of a hypo, you should have something sugary or if it is mealtime have your meal. When you’re feeling yourself again, have a starchy snack.

Really Important Information

If you lose consciousness, you shouldn’t be given anything to eat or drink.

Someone needs to call 999 straight away and ask for an ambulance.

Keep it all in a safe place

Download our “everything you need to know” poster and show it to your friends and family. It gives them all the info they need to be able to help you with your diabetes.

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