Life with type 1 diabetes involves balancing insulin, food, activity, emotions, and everyday life — and sometimes that balance shifts, leading to low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia or a “hypo.” When Cameron was younger he called them ''Low-po'', he couldn't understand why calling them ''High-po'' made any sense!
Hypos can happen at school, work, home, during sports, while sleeping — anywhere. Understanding the warning signs and knowing how to respond can help keep everyone safe and confident.
Whether you’re a young person learning about your diabetes, a parent supporting a child, or a friend, teacher, or colleague wanting to help — this guide has you covered.
What Counts As a Low Blood Sugar?
A hypo is generally defined as a blood glucose level below 4 mmol/L.
A simple way to remember this is: “4 is the floor”
When levels drop below 4, the body and brain don’t have enough fuel to function properly. Quick action can bring glucose back to a safe range.
Why Hypos Happen
Several things can cause blood sugar to fall:
Too much insulin
Not eating enough carbohydrates
Delay in eating after insulin
Exercise or physical activity
Hot baths or showers (which can increase insulin absorption)
Stress or excitement
Alcohol
Hormone changes
Illness
Children may have hypos more easily while growing, being active, or simply being too busy having fun to notice early signs.
Adults may experience hypos due to routine changes, skipped meals, work stress, or busy schedules.
Hypos are not anyone’s fault — they are part of managing diabetes.
Signs Other People May Notice
Watching for outward signs is especially important for young children and for people who sometimes don’t feel their lows coming.
You might see:
Pale or sweaty skin
Shaking hands or trembling legs
Sudden tiredness, yawning, or drowsiness
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Slurred speech or muddled talking
Mood changes: upset, giggly, angry, withdrawn
A child becoming clingy or unusually quiet
Unsteady walking or stumbling
A “glazed” or unfocused look
In school or the workplace, this may look like:
Struggling to answer simple questions
Appearing distracted or not paying attention
Acting emotional or frustrated
Work suddenly getting messy or rushed
Supportive adults and friends help enormously by recognising these changes early.
Signs the Person With Diabetes May Feel
Hypo symptoms can feel different for everyone. Some people feel them strongly; some feel almost nothing — a condition called hypo-unawareness. Thankfully, the use of CGMs can really help with hypo unawareness.
A person may notice:
Sudden hunger
Shakiness or trembling
Sweating or chills
Fast heartbeat
Tingling lips or fingers
Feeling dizzy or “wobbly”
Weak legs, like jelly
Blurry vision or spots before the eyes
Headache
Feeling irritable, worried, or panicky
Difficulty thinking clearly
A heavy or “foggy” head
Children may say:
“I feel funny,”
“My legs feel wobbly,”
“I feel floaty,”
or “I need sugar now.”
Adults may describe it as feeling “fuzzy,” “distant,” or “suddenly weak.”
How to Treat a Hypo: The 15-Minute Rule
Step 1: Take fast sugar (15g)
Choose one:
4 glucose tablets
150ml full-sugar fizzy drink (not diet)
150ml fruit juice
5–6 jelly babies
1 tube glucose gel
2 teaspoons sugar dissolved in water if nothing else is available
Kids often like using:
Small carton of juice
Glucose tabs that taste like sweets
Soft sweets kept in a “hypo kit”
Step 2: Wait 15 minutes
Sit down, stay calm, and give the glucose time to work.
Step 3: Recheck
Below 4 mmol/L again? Repeat Step 1
Step 4: Have a slow-release snack (if next meal is over 1 hour away)
Slice of bread or toast
Cereal bar
Cheese & crackers
Small fruit portion
This helps prevent the sugar dropping again.
Side note: The tips above are standardised, and may not be suitable for everyone. Some pump users may be advised to use half the reccomended hypo fix as your pump may have suspended insulin to try and prevent the low. Personal experience can play a part too. For me personally, 15g is too much to fix a hypo and would make me sky rocket! 8g is normally enough for me. Little changes like that come with trial and error, experience and knowing your own body.
Helpful Tips for Kids With Diabetes
Always keep hypo supplies in your bag, school tray, coat pocket, or sports kit
Let a trusted adult know if you feel “off”
Tell a teacher or friend if you need a break or snack
It’s okay to pause games, PE, or playtime to treat a hypo
Ask grown-ups for help when you need it — you’re not alone
A supportive adult can make a big difference — and brave kids build amazing confidence over time 💪💙
How Friends, Family & Teachers Can Help
If you see someone having a hypo:
✅ Keep them safe and seated
✅ Offer fast-acting sugar if they can swallow
✅ Stay with them while they recover
✅ Talk calmly and kindly
✅ Give time — they may feel tired afterwards
❌ Don’t leave them alone
❌ Don’t give food or drink if they’re unconscious
A gentle tone helps — hypos can feel embarrassing, especially for kids or teens.
Preventing Hypos
Practical ideas include:
Eating regular meals and snacks
Testing blood glucose before exercise
Carrying hypo supplies everywhere
Adjusting insulin around sports or activity (as guided by a medical team)
Learning personal patterns through CGM or finger-pricks
Managing stress and sleep where possible
Being aware of alcohol effects (for older teens/adults)
Keeping a small “hypo pack” bag in school, work, or your car can be a lifesaver.
When It Becomes an Emergency
Call 999 immediately if the person:
Is unconscious
Cannot swallow
Is having a seizure
Cannot think clearly or respond properly
Does not improve after treatment
If you have glucagon, use it if trained and confident.
Never put food or drink into someone’s mouth if they cannot swallow.
A Quick Reassurance Moment
Hypos happen — to everyone with type 1 diabetes sooner or later.
They aren’t failure.
They aren’t weakness.
They are part of living with a condition that requires constant balancing.
With awareness, kindness, and confidence, hypos can be managed safely every time.
And remember:
Below 4 — treat the low!