The lowdown on HYPOS

From what causes them to how to treat them effectively – and what can happen when you don’t – here’s what you need to know about hypoglycaemia

- KAREN FITTALL

It might start with feeling a bit tired. Before you know it, you’re shaking and sweating a little. Then the dizziness starts. You’re having a hypo, but the big question is, would you recognise what’s happening and know what to do about it?

The fact is, hypos can not only happen and progress quickly, they can also be dangerous – even fatal – if left untreated, so making sure you know as much about them as possible could be a literal lifesaver.lowdown

So, what is hypoglycaemia?

A hypo occurs when your blood glucose level drops too low – below 4mmol/L. People who take insulin to manage their diabetes are much more likely to experience hypos, but taking other glucose-lowering tablets increases the risk, too.