Last Modified: 1:50pm 12/04/2021

What to do after a Hypoglycaemic event

• Reflect on why (See ‘Causes of hypoglycaemia’) and assess cognitive state.
  • Reduce risk of recurrence through diabetes medication dose review (?reduce dose of medication prior to time of hypoglycaemia: insulin or Sulphonylureas )
  • Do not omit the next insulin dose, but consider a 10-20% dose reduction
    • Only consider omitting meal time rapid acting insulin if the patient is declining food
  • Check renal function if clinically indicated (reduced insulin clearance with AKI/CKD)
  • If at risk of prolonged hypoglycaemia (e.g. on long acting insulin or  Sulphonylureas, or not eating and drinking, consider use of continuous IV glucose infusion with BG monitoring)
  • Remember non-diabetic causes of hypoglycaemia
  • Refer to the diabetes specialist nursing team if cause unclear. Team hours Mon-Friday 8.00-4.00pm. Outside these hours and at weekends either refer via eCare if immediate guidance not needed or contact medical registra on-call.
  • Record event in eCare using /diabhypo to find template for completion.
  • Review driving advice (see ‘Using insulin and driving section’)

(Joint British Diabetes Societies 2018)