What to expect from a GP consultation for hypoglycaemia

Tell the GP what you felt, when it happened, what you had eaten, whether activity or alcohol was involved, and how quickly symptoms improved. Possible symptoms include sweating, shaking, hunger, dizziness, blurred vision, irritability, confusion or weakness. If you use a glucose meter or sensor, bring readings and note the time and circumstances.

The GP will review diabetes medicines, other prescriptions, supplements, alcohol use and relevant medical conditions. They may check you and arrange blood tests or other investigations. A low reading can have different explanations, so the pattern around an episode matters.

Bring your glucose device or records and a list of medicines with doses. Keep a simple diary of meals, exercise, symptoms and readings until the appointment if it is safe to do so. Do not change diabetes treatment without clinical advice.

Your GP may adjust a medicine, advise on meal timing, arrange monitoring, or refer you for further assessment. Ask how to manage another episode and when to contact the practice for review.

Call emergency services if someone with suspected low blood sugar is unconscious, having a seizure, severely confused, or cannot swallow safely. Do not give food or drink to an unconscious person. Urgent help is also needed when symptoms do not improve or keep returning despite the agreed plan.

Ask what may be triggering the episodes, how to record readings, whether medicines need changing, what to do if you cannot eat, and which symptoms require emergency help.