Workbook

LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE (HYPOGLYCAEMIA)
As you may know, many factors can cause low BG whether you are on a pump or injections.
The good news is that most people on pumps report less frequent low BG, and less severe ones.
It is still important to always be prepared for low BG. Also, keep in mind that over time, your
symptoms of low BG may change.
If your BG was consistently high before starting on a pump, you should expect to experience
some low BG reactions as you work to improve your overall glucose control. For example, a BG of
5.5 mmol/L may feel like 2.2 mmol/L if you are used to consistently having numbers in the 17's.
Also, the risk for low BG increases with improved BG control. However, studies support that the
benefits of good glucose control outweigh the risks of low BG.
In general, the main events that cause low BG are:
• Too little food
• Too much insulin
• Increase in activity and/or “lag effect”* from exercise
• Drinking alcohol
Treating Low BG
No matter what the cause, it is critical to treat a low BG immediately! The standard treatment is
often called the “Rule of 15”. (See the following information on the Rule of 15.) It is best to eat
a food that contains quick acting carbohydrate since this will work the quickest to bring your
glucose up again. Foods like chocolate will not work as fast because of the fat they also contain.
Recommended treatments include:
(each suggestion is around 15 grams of quick acting carbohydrate)
• Glucose tablets, 4-5 (depends on brand)
• Lucozade, 80 ml
• Fruit juice, 150 ml
• GlucoGel © , 38g, 3/4 tube
• Hypo-Fit ® , 1x18g sachet
“The Rule of 15”
• Eat or drink 15 grams of quick acting carbohydrate
• Wait 15 minutes
• Recheck your BG
• If it is less than 4 mmol/L, repeat above until BG is over 4 mmol/L
* Exercise can exert its BG lowering effect for 12-36 hours after.
Animas UK & Ireland My Insulin Pump Workbook 29