What should you know about hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia?

Insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Too much insulin, or insulin acting when it is not needed, can make glucose fall. A person may develop shakiness, sweating, dizziness, weakness, irritability, nausea, hunger, blurred vision or confusion. Causes can include diabetes treatment, missed meals, alcohol, illness or less common problems affecting insulin regulation. The timing of symptoms in relation to meals, exercise and medicines helps a clinician investigate the pattern.

If the person is awake and able to swallow, use the fast-acting glucose treatment recommended in their personal plan, then recheck or reassess as advised and eat a sustaining snack or meal when appropriate. Do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy, having a seizure or unable to swallow. Keep a record of episodes, glucose readings if available, meals, activity and medicines. Arrange medical review after repeated episodes or any episode without a clear explanation. Read about Hypoglycaemia and related symptoms such as Excessive Sweating and Dizziness.

Call emergency services for loss of consciousness, seizure, severe confusion, inability to swallow, or symptoms that do not improve with the person’s prescribed rescue plan. Stay with the person, place them safely on their side if unconscious and follow their emergency instructions. Prompt clinical review is needed for repeated low readings, episodes during sleep, or suspected medication errors. Do not drive while symptoms are present or until recovery is clear.

Could my medicine, meals or exercise be causing these episodes? How should I treat a low reading? Do I need glucose monitoring or specialist tests? What should family members do in an emergency?