Shining a spotlight on ‘scary’ condition

A national diabetes charity is shining a light on the condition during Hypo Awareness Week, which begins on Monday.

Diabetes UK want to highlight hypos - short for hypoglycaemia - which affect nearly everyone with type one diabetes, and many people with type two diabetes, who use insulin or certain other diabetes medications.

A hypo is when the blood sugars drop too low, below 4mmol/l.

This can be dangerous if not treated immediately, as it means the brain does not have enough energy to work properly.

This can happen for various reasons, including taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications, missing a meal or not calculating carbs, unplanned physical activity, or even hot weather. Sometimes, there is no explanation for a hypo, which can be frustrating.

A spokesman from Diabetes UK said: “For many people living with diabetes, hypos are part of life.

“But this shouldn’t be the case because hypos can be scary and dangerous.

“They can lead to blurred vision, confusion, seizures and, in severe cases, unconsciousness and coma.

“That’s why they must be treated quickly with fast-acting sugar, so that blood sugar levels rise again.

If someone tells you they have diabetes and are having a hypo, you can help them to find or get a sugary drink or some sweets and, if they become unconscious, call an ambulance.

“If you have diabetes and you are experiencing frequent hypos, speak to your healthcare team who can support you to make changes to your medication or insulin doses.”