Mtazamaji
JF-Expert Member
- Feb 29, 2008
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Hypoglycaemia
A 'hypo' is when the blood sugar levels fall below normal. It's short for hypoglycaemia, which means low blood sugar.
A hypo may occur:
after an insulin injection
after taking oral diabetes medication
if a meal is missed or delayed
after strenuous exercise
if alcohol is drunk on an empty stomach
The symptoms of a hypo vary from person to person. Mild hypo may cause:
weakness
dizziness
sweating
hunger
shaking
irritability
mood swings
A mild hypo can usually be treated with some form of sugar. Types of sugar to use during mild 'hypo':
dextrose tablets (carry these if you have diabetes)
three sugar lumps
two teaspoons of sugar
chocolate or sweet biscuits
a sweet drink
When the blood glucose level falls even lower, then the person may behave strangely and become confused (often mistakenly interpreted as drunkenness). Under these circumstances it may be easier and quicker to give sugar in liquid form, such as a sweet drink.
In severe hypoglycaemia, the person loses consciousness. Under these circumstances an injection of glucagon is given, which temporarily raises the level of blood glucose. Once the person is conscious they can be given some sugar and a snack to prevent the hypo from recurring.
People with diabetes and those close to them are taught to look out for signs that their sugar level may be low, and are advised to always have sugar tablets or another form of sugar available to raise the level quickly. This solves the problem quickly and prevents serious consequences.
People with diabetes are advised to carry some form of identification saying that they have diabetes, so that people will realise their condition should they get into difficulty and need help.
Hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia is when the blood glucose level is too high. When it's mildly raised then symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes occur, namely excessive thirst, passing urine frequently, tiredness, weakness and lethargy.
If the blood glucose level becomes dangerously high then the person becomes dehydrated and may become comatose. This is a medical emergency that requires hospital treatment.
source BBC - Health: Diabetes and blood sugar levels
another detailed explanation of Hypoglycaemia can be foud @ http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/article.htm
A 'hypo' is when the blood sugar levels fall below normal. It's short for hypoglycaemia, which means low blood sugar.
A hypo may occur:
after an insulin injection
after taking oral diabetes medication
if a meal is missed or delayed
after strenuous exercise
if alcohol is drunk on an empty stomach
The symptoms of a hypo vary from person to person. Mild hypo may cause:
weakness
dizziness
sweating
hunger
shaking
irritability
mood swings
A mild hypo can usually be treated with some form of sugar. Types of sugar to use during mild 'hypo':
dextrose tablets (carry these if you have diabetes)
three sugar lumps
two teaspoons of sugar
chocolate or sweet biscuits
a sweet drink
When the blood glucose level falls even lower, then the person may behave strangely and become confused (often mistakenly interpreted as drunkenness). Under these circumstances it may be easier and quicker to give sugar in liquid form, such as a sweet drink.
In severe hypoglycaemia, the person loses consciousness. Under these circumstances an injection of glucagon is given, which temporarily raises the level of blood glucose. Once the person is conscious they can be given some sugar and a snack to prevent the hypo from recurring.
People with diabetes and those close to them are taught to look out for signs that their sugar level may be low, and are advised to always have sugar tablets or another form of sugar available to raise the level quickly. This solves the problem quickly and prevents serious consequences.
People with diabetes are advised to carry some form of identification saying that they have diabetes, so that people will realise their condition should they get into difficulty and need help.
Hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia is when the blood glucose level is too high. When it's mildly raised then symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes occur, namely excessive thirst, passing urine frequently, tiredness, weakness and lethargy.
If the blood glucose level becomes dangerously high then the person becomes dehydrated and may become comatose. This is a medical emergency that requires hospital treatment.
source BBC - Health: Diabetes and blood sugar levels
another detailed explanation of Hypoglycaemia can be foud @ http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/article.htm
