National diabetes week kicks off 14th July

National diabetes week is a great platform for creating awareness for the disease and to start conversations about it. We’d like to take this opportunity to discuss ‘Hypos’ and what they mean to those living with diabetes and what you can do as a friend or family member to help someone through one as they usually happen when least expected.

WHAT IS A ‘HYPO’?’

The full name is hypoglycaemia and it happens in people suffering from diabetes when their blood sugar level drops below 4mmol/L. They occur in those taking insulin or alternatives such as glucose-lowering meds.

WHAT CAUSES A ‘HYPO’?

Here are some things that can cause a hypo to occur:

·       Missing a meal

·       Lack of carbohydrates

·       Extra physical activity

·       Drinking too much alcohol

·       Too much insulin

·       Injecting insulin into lumpy skin from repeatedly injecting the same area

 WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

While symptoms vary from person to person, common feelings include:

·       Blurred vision

·       Weakness, trembling or shaking

·       Sweating

·       Dizziness

·       Headache

·       Fast heartbeat

·       Numbness around lips and fingers

·       Crying

·       Lack of concentration

·       Irritability

If you are around someone who is experiencing a hypo here is what they need to do and perhaps you could help them get to these steps faster than if they were facing this alone. Firstly, if they are experiencing any of the above, they will need to check their blood glucose level and/or begin treating the hypo.

HOW DO YOU TREAT A HYPO?

STEP 1

Have some easily absorbed carbohydrates quickly such as:

·       Glucose tablets

·       Jelly beans

·       Oral glucose gel

·       Regular soft drink

·       Sugar or honey

·       Fruit juice

Wait 10 mins with them and then get them to recheck their blood glucose level again, if it’s below 4mmol/L they will need to repeat step 1. Have them test again after repeating step one 1 and if their blood glucose level is still  below 4mmol/L they will need to eat some snacks with longer lasting carbohydrates such as:

STEP 2

·       Bread

·       Milk or soy milk

·       Fruit

·       Dried apricots

·       Sultanas

·       Fruit yoghurt

WHAT HAPPENS IF A ‘HYPO’ IS NOT TREATED?

If untreated, blood glucose levels will drop further and may lead to severe hypoglycaemia and the use of a glucagon may be necessary. This is a hormone given by injection to raise blood glucose levels. Family and friends should be shown how to use these by the diabetes healthcare team as there are times you may need to help.

This information is provided as a guide only for people who are unaware of how diabetics need to treat a hypo. For individualised advice on hypos please talk to your GP.

Gourmet Meals are helping to spread awareness and provide some education on diabetes. We support our community at large by helping prevent diabetes through offering healthy eating options, and also assist in its management through helping you make the right choices for meal options. Knowing exactly what is in your meal is vital for diabetes management, for example the amount of carbohydrates and sugars that are present per serve or per 100g. Gourmet Meals provide all the nutritional information for each meal on their online menu and on their packaging. Take the time to browse our menu online or call our friendly team on 1300 112 112 to place an order.