O MeA e tAtAU OnA e IlOA - Australian Diabetes Council

Short Term Complications – Hypoglycaemia - continued
Step 2
If your next meal is more than 20 minutes away, follow up with more slowly absorbed
carbohydrate such as:
• 2 plain biscuits e.g. 2 Arrowroot or 2 milk coffee biscuits OR
• 1 slice of bread OR
• 1 glass of milk or soy milk OR
• 1 piece of fruit
• 1 tub of low fat yoghurt.
If not treated the blood glucose levels can continue to drop, resulting in:
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness/fitting.
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY ! !
Instructions for the person present during this emergency:
If the person having a hypo is unconscious they
must not be given anything by mouth.
• Place the person in the ‘recovery position’ or on
their side
• Make sure the airway is clear
• Ring 000 or if using a mobile ring 112 for an
ambulance stating “ diabetic emergency”
• An unconscious person must NOT be left alone
• If you are able and trained, give a Glucagon injection.
Important points for the person at risk of hypoglycaemia
• Always carry ‘hypo’ food with you if you are on insulin or at risk of
hypoglycaemia. Ask your doctor if this applies to you.
• Carry identification to say you have diabetes
• Test before driving, before and after exercising and after alcohol intake
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