How to Treat a Hypo – and What to Keep in Your Hypo Kit

If you or someone you care for lives with diabetes, knowing how to spot and treat a hypo quickly is one of the most important things you can learn. This guide explains what a hypo is, the signs to look out for, how to treat one step by step, and what to keep in your hypo kit so you're always prepared.

This article is general information only. Always follow the advice and treatment plan given to you by your GP or diabetes care team.

What is a hypo?

A hypo (short for hypoglycaemia) is when your blood glucose level drops too low – usually below 4 mmol/L. Many diabetes teams use the phrase "four is the floor" as an easy way to remember this.

Hypos are most common in people with type 1 diabetes, and in people with type 2 diabetes who take insulin or certain tablets such as sulfonylureas. They can be triggered by missing or delaying a meal, eating fewer carbohydrates than usual, extra physical activity, drinking alcohol, or taking too much diabetes medication.

Signs and symptoms of a hypo

Everyone experiences hypos a little differently, but common early signs include:

• Shaking or trembling
• Sweating
• Feeling hungry
• Feeling anxious, irritable or tearful
• A fast or pounding heartbeat
• Tingling lips
• Going pale
• Feeling tired, dizzy or weak
• Blurred vision or difficulty concentrating

If a hypo isn't treated, a person may become confused, drowsy, unusually clumsy or behave out of character, and in severe cases may have a seizure or lose consciousness. Some people – especially those who have had diabetes for many years – don't always notice the early warning signs, which is why regular glucose checks matter.

How to treat a hypo: step by step

If you think you're having a hypo, check your blood glucose if you can. If it's below 4 mmol/L (or you have symptoms and can't check), treat it straight away:

1. Take 15–20g of fast-acting carbohydrate. This is sugar that is absorbed quickly – for example a glucose gel, glucose tablets, or a small glass (around 200ml) of sugary fruit juice or a non-diet fizzy drink. Diet or "zero" drinks won't work.
2. Wait 10–15 minutes, then recheck your blood glucose.
3. If it's still below 4 mmol/L, repeat step 1. You can repeat this up to three times. If your level is still low after three treatments, or you feel unwell, get medical help.
4. Once your level is back above 4 mmol/L, eat a longer-acting carbohydrate such as a sandwich, a couple of biscuits, a piece of fruit or your next meal if it's due. This helps stop your glucose dropping again.

Try not to over-treat – eating lots of sweets or chocolate can push your levels too high later. Chocolate and other fatty foods are also absorbed more slowly, so they aren't ideal for treating a hypo quickly.

Why glucose gel is useful

Glucose gels such as GlucoGel contain 40% dextrose (glucose) in a gel that's easy to swallow, with no water or chewing needed. That can be helpful when you feel shaky, confused or sick, and the pre-measured tubes make it easier to know how much you've taken.

One 25g tube of GlucoGel provides approximately 10g of glucose, so a typical 15–20g treatment is around one and a half to two tubes. Always follow the dose advised by your diabetes team.

What to keep in your hypo kit

A hypo kit is a small pouch or bag that holds everything you need to treat a hypo wherever you are. A good kit includes:

• Fast-acting glucose – such as GlucoGel 3 x 25g tubes, glucose tablets, or a small carton of fruit juice.
• A longer-acting snack – such as plain biscuits, a cereal bar or crackers, to eat once your levels have recovered.
• Your glucose meter or CGM reader, with spare test strips and lancets if you use them.
• Your glucagon kit, if one has been prescribed for you, and make sure family, friends or colleagues know how to use it.
• Medical ID – a card, bracelet or phone lock-screen note saying you have diabetes.
• Emergency contacts and a short note of your treatment plan.

Check your kit regularly and replace anything that's been used or is past its expiry date.

Where to keep hypo treatments

It's worth having hypo treatments in every place you spend time:

• On you – in your bag, coat pocket or sports kit. Single tubes are light and easy to carry.
• In the car – never drive if your glucose is low, and keep supplies within reach.
• At work or school – in your desk, locker or the school medical room. Make sure teachers or colleagues know where it is.
• At home – a larger supply such as a GlucoGel 80g bottle is handy to keep in the kitchen or by the bed.

What to do if someone is unconscious or can't swallow

If someone with diabetes is very drowsy, unconscious, having a seizure or unable to swallow safely:

• Do not give them anything to eat or drink, including glucose gel – they could choke.
• Put them in the recovery position.
• Give glucagon if it has been prescribed and you've been shown how to use it.
• Call 999 immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How much sugar do I need to treat a hypo?
Most adults need 15–20g of fast-acting carbohydrate. Your diabetes team may advise a different amount, particularly for children.

Can I use chocolate to treat a hypo?
It's not ideal. The fat in chocolate slows down how quickly the sugar is absorbed, so glucose gel, glucose tablets or a sugary drink work faster.

Do I need water with glucose gel?
No – GlucoGel is designed to be swallowed on its own.

How often should I check my hypo kit?
Check it every few weeks and after every hypo, and replace anything you've used or that has expired.

Be prepared

Hypos can happen to anyone who uses insulin or certain diabetes medicines, but being prepared makes them much easier to manage. Keep fast-acting glucose with you, make sure the people around you know what to do, and talk to your diabetes team if you're having frequent hypos.

Shop GlucoGel 3 x 25g Tubes for your bag or pocket, or the GlucoGel 80g Bottle to keep at home. GlucoGel is a food for special medical purposes for the dietary management of hypoglycaemia and should be used under medical supervision.