In most cases, hypoglycaemia can be self-treated when you recognise the symptoms of a hypo. If there is an underlying condition causing regular hypos, this will need to be diagnosed and treated.
Treating an episode of hypoglycaemia
The immediate treatment for a hypo is to have some sugary food or drink to end the attack.
For example, try:
- a glass of fruit juice (that contains sugar) or Lucozade
- a few sugar lumps
- a handful of sweets
- three or more glucose tablets
- a cup of milk
- half a cup of non-diet soft drink
After having something sugary, you should have a longer-acting carbohydrate food, such as a few biscuits, a cereal bar, a piece of fruit or a sandwich.
You should measure your blood sugar again 15 minutes later and if it is still too low (below 4 mmol), then have some more sugary food or drink and test it again in another 15 minutes.
If you cannot treat your hypo because it is more severe, someone else can help you by applying Glucogel (or honey, treacle or jam) to the inside of your cheeks and gently massaging the outside of your cheeks. It may take 10-15 minutes before you feel better.
If you are having several episodes of hypoglycaemia a week you should contact your GP to find out the underlying cause. You may need your medication adjusted, or there may be another condition causing hypoglycaemia that needs treating.
If a person is unconscious
If a person is already unconscious due to a severe hypo, they need to be put into the recovery position and given an injection of the hormone glucagon, which raises the blood glucose level.
The injection is best done by a friend or family member who knows what they are doing, or a trained healthcare professional.
If there is no-one trained to give the injection, call 999 for an ambulance immediately. Never try to put food or drink into the mouth of someone who is unconscious, as they could choke.
