DIABETICS COULD be putting their health at risk due to poor awareness of the dangers of low blood sugar, according to research from Diabetes Ireland.
People with diabetes, particularly those with “type 2” which is associated with poor diet and obesity, tend to concentrate on the effects of high blood sugar neglecting the risks associated with low blood sugar.
Some 190,000 Irish people have diabetes, with as many as 30,000 diabetics remaining undiagnosed. Low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia can have serious consequences if left untreated, including dizziness, confusion, fainting and in severe cases seizures, coma and even death.
A survey of 577 diabetics found that more than a third did not know hypoglycaemia could be triggered by their diabetic medication and almost a fifth were concerned that having a hypoglycaemic episode was “their own fault”.
Those with type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes, were much more knowledgeable about hypoglycaemia than those with type 2. Some 88 per cent of type 1 diabetics had discussed the risks of hypoglycaemia with their diabetic team compared with 57 per cent of type 2 diabetics.
Diabetes Ireland is starting a hypoglycaemia awareness campaign to mark World Diabetes Day today. The campaign aims to help people understand hypoglycaemia so it can be treated quickly.
Low blood sugar can be caused by skipping meals, drinking alcohol, unplanned exercise, diabetes medications and anxiety. Symptoms include nervousness, shakiness, sweating, confusion and hunger.
A diabetic experiencing hypoglycaemia should quickly eat or drink something to raise their blood sugar. Taking a high-sugar drink, eating five to six jelly beans, jam or honey, or taking three glucose tablets will quickly increase the blood sugar levels.
