What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar (glucose) levels drop too low. This can happen to people with diabetes when they:
- miss a meal or snack
- exercise more than usual without adjusting their insulin or other diabetes medications
- drink alcohol
- take certain diabetes medications
Low blood sugar level symptoms
A diabetic can suffer from low blood sugar and even become unconscious very quickly. You need to be able to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycemia and know how to treat it.
The most common symptom of low blood sugar is feeling shaky. Other symptoms may include sweating, pale skin, anxiety, dizziness, headache, heart palpitations, and hunger.
What to do when someone is having a hypoglycaemic episode
1. If the person is unconscious place him or her on their side and check the airway, breathing and pulse.
2. Seek medical help immediately.
3. If the person is conscious, give a sugary drink like lemonade, orange juice or even a glass of water with at least 2 teaspoons of sugar in it.
4. Once the patient is fully conscious suggest they have a sandwich or piece of fruit
5. They should always seek medical advice following a hypoglycaemic episode
For more information about dealing with hypoglycaemia and other aspects of first aid please book into a HLTAID003 Provide First Aid course soon…
