It is very important that a hypo is treated quickly, so children should have easy access to their hypo treatments and should be allowed to eat/drink whenever necessary to prevent/treat a hypo.
If the child is unable to treat themself, here’s what to do:
- Check the child’s blood glucose level (when possible).
- Immediately give something sugary to eat or drink*, e.g. non-diet drink soft drink such as cola, glucose tablets, fruit juice.
- After 10 minutes, check blood glucose level again. If the blood glucose level is still low, repeat the sugary food/drink until the blood glucose level has returned to normal.
- When the blood glucose level has returned to normal, the child may need a follow-on snack*, eg a piece of fruit, biscuit, cereal bar, small roll/sandwich, the next meal if it’s due.
The child’s parent/carer or PDSN will tell you if a follow-on snack is required.
*The child’s parent/carer or PDSN will advise you on how much should be given.
A child should not be left alone during a hypo – nor be sent off to get food to treat it. Recovery treatment must be brought to the child.
If a hypo is left untreated, the blood glucose level will continue to fall and the child could become unconscious or have a seizure. (This may resemble an epileptic fit, but it does not mean the child has developed epilepsy.)
What do I do if the child becomes unconsciousness?
In the unlikely event of a child losing consciousness, do not give anything by mouth. Place them in the recovery position (lying on their side with the head tilted back). Call an ambulance, informing them the child has diabetes.
What do I do after I’ve treated a hypo?
Once you’ve treated a hypo and the blood glucose has returned to normal levels the child can continue with whatever they were doing, even physical activity.