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Treating a hypo

Get your child to stop what they are doing – ignoring a hypo means it will only get worse.
If there is time, do a test just to make sure. If not, get them to eat first and test later.
Make sure they eat or drink something sugary, such as glucose tablets, jelly babies or an ordinary (not diet) drink. This quick-acting carbohydrate will raise their blood glucose levels quickly. The amount needed will vary from child to child.
Don’t use chocolate – because of its fat content, it doesn’t work quickly enough.
Try to sit them down until they feel better.
After about 10 minutes, check their blood glucose again.
Many children will need a longer-acting carbohydrate, eg fruit, biscuit, small sandwich or their next meal (if it’s due). This will prevent their blood glucose levels from dropping again. Again, the amount needed will vary.

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