Can hypoglycaemia be prevented?

Low blood sugar happens when glucose falls below the level your body needs. It is more likely when insulin or certain diabetes medicines have more effect than expected, a meal is delayed or smaller than planned, alcohol is taken without food, or activity is more strenuous than usual. People with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes may need different prevention plans.

A clinician can help identify your personal pattern by looking at readings, symptoms, meals, exercise and medicine timing. Prevention aims to avoid repeated lows while keeping diabetes treatment appropriate.

Take diabetes medicines exactly as prescribed and do not change doses without advice. Keep meals and snacks reasonably consistent, carry a quick source of glucose if you have been advised to treat lows, and check glucose when your care plan recommends it. Before unusual exercise, ask how to adjust food, monitoring or medicine. Tell people close to you how to recognise your symptoms and what to do.

Seek urgent help if someone with suspected hypoglycaemia is confused, having a seizure, unconscious, unable to swallow, or does not improve after the agreed treatment. Do not give food or drink to an unconscious or drowsy person. Arrange a prompt review if lows keep happening, occur during sleep, follow a medicine change, or are difficult to recognise.

Ask which readings count as low for you, when to check glucose, how exercise or illness changes your plan, and whether your medicines or meal pattern need review.