Last Updated on Saturday, 08 August 2009 12:16

Too little or too much blood glucose.

Having diabetes means you need to keep your blood glucose level balanced.

It’s a challenge: your metabolism is constantly changing depending on your treatment, what you’re doing (e.g. exercise), what you’ve eaten or drunk – and how long ago.

Your blood glucose mustn’t get too high. If it does, you’ll have hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose level). Equally though, it mustn’t fall too low. If it does you’ll have hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level).

When this happens, you need to be able to recognise what’s wrong and know what to do if you start to feel odd.

If you fall unconscious…

Your friends and relatives need to be able to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and know how to treat it in case of emergency. (If need be, they should know how to give an injection of glucagon which releases stored body glucose into the blood).

Ask your doctor or nurse for a diabetes ID card and carry it with you. It explains what to do if ever you’re found unconscious.

Hypoglycaemia – a ‘hypo’.

Hypoglycaemia, or having a “hypo”, happens when the level of glucose in the blood suddenly drops. In extreme cases, you can pass out, becoming unconscious.

What to watch out for

What to do:

• Take sugar or food containing sugar e.g. 3 glucose tablets or a drink with 2 teaspoons of sugar, followed by biscuits or a sandwich. If the ‘hypo’ occurs just before a meal or snack, take the sugary drink or the glucose tablets and have your meal as soon as possible
• Alternatively, if conscious and able to swallow, put Glucogel* on the inside of your cheeks and gently massage from the outside
• If unconscious, fluid should not be given to you
• If unconscious, an injection of glucagon should be administered
• If unconscious, someone should contact a healthcare professional (i.e. doctor or nurse)
• Do not drive for at least 45 minutes following a ‘hypo’ as advised by the DVLA

Causes:

• Too much insulin
• Not enough food
• Unusual amount of exercise
• Delayed meal
• Stress

• Hot weather

Hyperglycaemia – a ‘hyper’.

Hyperglycaemia happens when the level of glucose in the blood is too high. In extreme cases, you may vomitand be unable to hold down fluids. Glucose levels may rise at times, which is normal. But very high levels could mean hyperglycaemia – so you need to know what to watch out for.

Watch out for:

• Increased thirst and passing a lot of urine
• Large amounts of glucose and ketones in urine
• Weakness, abdominal pains, generalised aches
• Loss of appetite, feeling and being sick
• Heavy laboured breathing

What to do:

• Test more frequently (either urine or blood glucose)
• Test urine for ketones (if possible contact your healthcare professional)
• Drink fluids such as water or sugar free drinks if able to swallow
• If unconscious, someone should contact a healthcare professional (i.e. doctor or nurse)

Causes:

• Too little or no insulin
• Eating more carbohydrates than your diet allows for
• Infection, fever
• Emotional stress
• Less exercise taken than usual

Remember:

• Never miss your insulin injection

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