Treatment of Hypoglycaemia (Hypo’s) For Insulin Pump Users

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You treat a blood glucose level of 3.9 mmol/l or below as a hypo.

Low blood glucose might happen because:
• A meal or snack is missed or delayed
• You haven’t eaten enough
• Too much exercise with no extra food
• Having more insulin than your body needs
• Stress / Excitement / Worry

When low blood glucose happens, the body may give warning signs (some of which are listed below) to indicate that more sugar is needed in the blood. These signs may be subtle or strong, and
sometimes it may be difficult to recognise that someone has a low blood glucose level.

Shaky – Sweaty – Sleepy – Tired – Confused – Weak – Hungry – Have a head/tummy ache – Dizzy – Cold – Nightmares – Heart beats faster – Restless sleep – Change in mood/behaviour – Crying for no reason.

Low Blood Glucose needs to be treated quickly!

Treatment: MILD Hypoglycaemia:
• Take 10-15g quick-acting carbohydrate
• Re-test blood glucose in 15 minutes – handset will alarm
• Once blood glucose is 4mmol/l or above, continue as normal
• If blood glucose is still below 4mmol/l on re-test, take a further 10-15g glucose and re-test in 15minutes. Continue until blood glucose level is 4mmol or above – if concerned seek medical advice

Examples of 10g fast acting glucose – 100mls full sugar coke / 100mls Ribena / 100mls fresh fruit juice / 3-4 glucose tablets (check packaging)
Examples of 15g fast acting glucose – 150mls full sugar coke / 150mls Ribena / 150mls fresh fruit juice / 4-5 glucose tablets (check packaging)

Treatment: MODERATE Hypoglycaemia:
• Glucogel should be used if they are unable to take their oral treatment or are refusing it. Must be conscious (See separate patient information leaflet on how to administer)
• Each tube contains 10g of quick acting carbohydrate
• Re-test blood glucose in 15 minutes – handset will alarm
• Once blood glucose is 4mmol/l or above, continue as normal
• If blood glucose is still below 4mmol/l on re-test, take a further 10-15g glucose and re-test in 15 minutes. Continue until blood glucose level is 4mmol or above – if concerned seek medical advice

Treatment: SEVERE hypoglycaemia:
• If unconscious or fitting, put into recovery position.
• Disconnect the pump or put pump into STOP – Do not cut the tubing
• Call an ambulance and then treat with Glucagon

Reminder – If the hypo is just before a mealtime (when a bolus of insulin is usually given) the hypo should be treated first and once blood glucose is 4mmol/l or above, the bolus should be given as usual.

DO NOT OMIT INSULIN.