Let’s talk hypos. How do they impact your life?
Hypoglycaemia (also known as hypos or lows) is a condition that occurs when your blood glucose level (BGL) has dropped too low, below 4mmol/L. Hypos are a part of life for many people living with diabetes who use insulin.
In Australia, about 400,000 people use insulin to help manage their diabetes.
According to research a person with type 1 diabetes averages 138 hypos per year. Of course, you may have more, or maybe less than this – everyone’s experience is different.
Living with diabetes can be challenging. Call our Helpline on 1800 177 055 if you need help or want to talk.
Time adds up
It can people an average of about 15 minutes to recover from a hypo. However, it may take some people more or less time than this.
Costs add up
Jelly beans, juice, glucose tabs or a soft drink – which fast-acting carbohydrate do you turn to when you have a hypo?
If you drink a juice box every hypo, in one year you will have spent about $207!
See for yourself with #HyposAddUp
Have you ever wondered how many hypos you’ve had? Our new #HyposAddUp calculator can add them up for you!
Share the infographic on social media to raise awareness of hypos. It’s also a great conversation starter next time you want to talk about hypos with your healthcare professional.
Disclaimer The content of the #HyposAddUp calculator is intended for information and awareness raising purposes only. It is not to be viewed as a health appraisal or advice from Diabetes Australia.
Join the conversation – #HyposAddUp
Tell us about your experiences with hypos. Do hypos interrupt your daily life? We’d love to hear your story on our social media pages.
For the chance to win one of five $100 gift vouchers, tell us how your hypos add up. Use the hashtag #hyposaddup and post on your socials. Terms and conditions apply.
Previous campaigns
The Lowdown #HyposHappen 6pm QLD time/ 7pm AEST Panel Discussion tonight on diabetes_australia FB page.
Freya tries very hard to make living with type 1 diabetes look easy. She doesn’t like to make a fuss or be seen to be difficult. Unfortunately diabetes doesn’t play nice. One of the scariest and most dangerous immediate things that can happen is a severe hypo (low blood glucose level). Hypos can happen at unexpected times. They can also come at the most frustrating times. Over the years, Freya has had to sit out of the state bouldering (climbing) champs for nearly an hour to wait for her levels to come up to a safe levels, meaning she missed out on the gold medal. She has gone on stage to dance when her levels have been dropping rapidly, whilst trying to swallow as many lollies as possible – so as to not let down her dance troupe in their performance… and she has sat quietly in all manner of locations around the world (when we used to be able to travel) to wait for her levels return to a safe number.
Tonight Freya will be part of a panel for Diabetes Australia discussing the lowdown on hypos. The event will be streamed live to the Diabetes Australia Facebook page and you can ask questions in real-time.
#type1diabetes #swimmer #dancer #type1 #diabetes #solopump #pump #cgm #dexcom #curediabetes #cure #accucheksolo #accuchek #climb #climber #fit #inspire #inclusion #invisibleillness #hypo #hypoglycemia
Hypos happen. Hypos cannot be prevented. Hypos suck. There is nothing more annoying than a doctor asking me “Do you have hypos?” Of course I have hypos, do you breathe?
They’re inconvenient. They always seem to happen when I’m in the middle of something, or just drifting off to sleep.
They make me look drunk and shaky, and they’re embarrassing! I’ve hypoed on stage, in meetings, on dates, in front of my students, and in interviews. I’ve dropped objects, said countless weird things, and had a hypo argument with a bouncer who wouldn’t let me back in because he thought I was drunk. Having to ask “Could I have a few minutes?” can make me feel so vulnerable and small.
They’re tiring. Dealing with multiple hypos overnight is not a recipe for a productive or fulfilling day. Often I walk through a day after a hypo filled night like a zombie, going through the motions until I can go back home and nap.
They’re scary. I don’t feel my hypos until they get very low, and when they go below 1.5 I feel like I’m about to die. My head spins, my body feels numb, and I can’t control my shaking or sweating. I hate it.
#HyposHappen , so please don’t beat yourself up about them! You are your own pancreas every single day, so there are always going to be sneaky hypos. Join in diabetes_australia ‘s campaign this week and share your hypo story. They’re normal, they’re not an indication of “bad control”, and they’re not your fault. They happen. 💙
#thelowdown #t1d #typeonediabetes #type1diabetes #t2d #type2diabetes #typetwodiabetes #diabetes #livingwithdiabetes #lowbloodsugar #hypos #hypoglycemia #diabetes #insulin
diabetes_australia has launched The Lowdown 2020, a hypo awareness campaign.
Share your story with the hashtag #hyposhappen on your social channels - you could help others in their own journeys with #diabetes!
Learn more at The Lowdown - https://thelowdown.org.au/: Link in our bio.
#mentalhealth #socialmedia #hypos #TellyourStory
diabetes_australia has launched The Lowdown 2020, a hypo awareness campaign.
Share your story with the hashtag #hyposhappen on your social channels - you could help others in their own journeys with #diabetes!
Learn more at The Lowdown - https://thelowdown.org.au/: Link in our bio.
#mentalhealth #socialmedia #hypos #TellyourStory
Everybody has a story.
We want to hear yours.
This week we launched The Lowdown 2020 #HyposHappen to raise awareness of hypos and hopefully kick away the stigma.
How can you get involved and share your story? Share a video or photo and give us the lowdown on your ‘hypos’. Hold up a sign using one word explaining how ‘hypos’ make you feel.
By participating, you will go into the draw to win a $250 Visa Debit card voucher.
By speaking out we can help end the stigma around hypos.
Remember to use the hashtag #hyposhappen
Have you ever been mistaken for being drunk when you are just having a hypo?
We know this has happened to lots of people with diabetes.
If this has happened to you, what was your experience?
Share and help us raise awareness around hypos. We want to kick away the stigma.
You can also share your story about having a hypo with the #HyposHappen hashtag. You’ll help us spread the word and will go into the draw to win a $250 Visa gift card.
Hypos are not new to David, who has lived with type 1 diabetes most of his life.
This is David’s ‘hypo story’:
“One time at high school I was studying in the library late, and no-one else was around. I was doing “just a little but more” before I rode home. Then “just a little bit more”.
Eventually I realised I was hypo, with no more snacks in my bag. We’d had sports earlier in the day. I was wobbly enough that even putting the books back on the shelves was a problem.
I ended up invading the staff tea-room and gorging myself on the contents of a sugar bowl. Then after a while things settled and I was able to pack up and get out of there (it was a 10-minute walk home).”
Thanks for sharing your story, David!
Do you have a hypo story you would like to share?
Post a video or photo and give us the lowdown on your ‘hypos’. Hold up a sign using one word explaining how ‘hypos’ make you feel.
By participating, you will go into the draw to win a $250 Visa Debit card voucher.
By speaking out we can help end the stigma around hypos.
Remember to use the hashtag #hyposhappen
Would you know what to do if someone you cared about was suffering from a diabetes emergency?
At Accuro, we take safety seriously and ensure that all of our wonderful support workers are First Aid trained.
It's just one of our commitments to you so you can live your life, your way.
#hyposhappen
#independantliving
#healthyathome
#stjohnambulance
National Diabetes Week runs from 11th July - 17th July and this year will focus on the mental and emotional health of people living with diabetes.
Stigma affects all aspects of life for people with diabetes, including their mental health and wellbeing.
This week, we will look at some facts about diabetes, discuss how you can get some support and brush up on some lifesaving tips should you need to assist someone suffering from a hypoglycaemic event
#NDW2021
#headsupdiabetes
#stigma
#hyposhappen
I may have been mid-hypo during this photo - you know that blank stare you get, and that "yeah, I'm fine" smile you give when someone asks if you're ok... 😅
I'm fortunate enough to be hypo aware at this point in time - my usual symptoms of a low are usually shaking fingers and the feeling of passing out 😟
However, I wouldn't have a clue with high sugars, as my body feels the same at 20mmol as it does at 6mmol. At first, I thought this was relatively common until I joined the DOC and realised that a lot of y'all sometimes feel terrible with high BGLs!
Any who...a hammock happened to be within close distance for my shakey legs to walk to. I popped some jelly beans and while I was staring blankly at my sister, she happened to snap this shot😅 #kodakmoment
Before this moment, I was walking along the beach thinking about Dr Frederick Banting and Charles Best on their breakthrough in treating diabetes. This week marked the 100th anniversary of this medical triumph. To think I wouldn't have made it past 19 gave me goosebumps. We are incredibly fortunate 💙
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#hypoglycemia #hyposhappen #type1diabetes #insulindependent #diabetic #diabetes #typeonestrong #t1dlookslikeme #type1life #t1dlife #beyondtype1daily #diabetesawareness
People experience diabetes stigma when they are blamed for having diabetes, while managing diabetes such as injecting insulin in public and when experiencing the affects and complications of diabetes like low blood sugar (Hypos).
This National Diabetes Week, let’s have the conversation about the real impact diabetes stigma can have on a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
#ndw2021 #headsupdiabetes #beatthestigma #mentalhealth #diabetesawareness #diabetes1 #diabetes2 #emotionalwellbeing #hyposhappen
NATIONAL DIABETES WEEK 2021
Injecting in public
Buying needles
Swapping sharps containers
Finger prick tests in public
Appearing drunk, aggressive, uncoordinated, slow and spaced out
Diabetes has an image problem.
Please don’t judge us.
#nationaldiabetesweek #stigma #blame #shame #judgement #t1dlookslikeme #hyposhappen #thisisourlife #support #awareness #connection #ndw2021
Good thanks.
🎢 📈📉🍭📈💉📉🙄
#howsyoursunday #ihatejellybeans #diafuckingbetes #type1 #hyposhappen #t1diabetesawareness #invisibledisability #iamgreaterthanmyhighsandlows #insulinjunkie4life
Cardiovascular and Endurance training is key for improving daily activity without feeling excessive fatigue. helps prevent chronic disease and improves overall quality of life.
Cardiovascular and Endurance Training can be done in a lot of different ways. Whether that means intentionally parking farther away to walk more, going for a weekly jog or doing circuit training, it’s important to find what works for you, and is enjoyable for you. Consider
- Frequency. Aim for 1-3 times a week.
- Intensity. Moderate intensity is usually recommended - enough to increase heart and respiratory rate, but does not cause exhaustion or breathlessness
- Time. 150 minutes a week is suggested! Work up to it slowly if need be.
- Type. Use large muscle groups and be continuous in nature),
- Enjoyment! Have fun!
And as always, keep an eye on trends to see how each activity affects your blood sugar. Spending some time tracking bg levels can help you avoid those lows that can sometimes derail your best efforts.
Find more tips for exercise and t1d on the Beyond Barriers Workout page on our website - link in profile. Thanks to bpt.jenn for the collab!
When you live with #type1diabetes, #hyposhappen.
Coming at you from my least favourite place to have a #hypo - my bathroom, specifically after brushing my teeth.
To treat a hypo, you have to eat something sugary, fast. Then eat a bit more until the blood sugars are in range. I often test my sugar levels right before bed and don't always know a hypo is happening. Then when I am not hungry and I have already cleaned my teeth, having to stay up and eat is the worst. #type1life #diabetes #t1dlookslikeme
At 19 years old, my life changed and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Although it was bitter sweet, I’m glad I never knew what a hypo felt like until I hit my late teens.
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Early on in my diagnosis, you could say that I was ‘taught a lesson’. I went out to exercise, my level before hand was 11 mmol and about 10 minutes into my walk, I realised I forgot jelly beans. I thought to myself, “I don’t need to turn back, my level was just over 10”.
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How wrong was I….45 minutes into my walk I started to feel light headed and instant anxiety hit me as I knew what was happening. I started to panic and quickly turned back but things got worse and I had no choice but to go to an ice-cream shop close by and ask them for a sugar hit as I was a diabetic and I forgot my jelly beans. I wasn’t wearing a CGM and had no way of ‘proving I was diabetic’ and that I wasn’t just wanting a free ice-cream! Thankfully the lovely lady behind the counter was so kind and gave me a small tub of ice-cream.
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I was so embarrassed and overwhelmed at the fact I just had to do that with people waiting in line behind me and hearing what was going on. As I was walking home with now a higher sugar, I could feel myself so angry and irritated that I couldn’t even go and do a walk without diabetes interfering.
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#hyposhappen #diabetesaustralia
National Diabetes Week 2021 runs from 11 – 17 July.
This year, the spotlight is on diabetes stigma and mental health.
People experience diabetes stigma when they are blamed for having diabetes, while managing diabetes such as injecting insulin in public and when they experience the affects and complications of diabetes such as low blood sugar.
This National Diabetes Week, let’s have a conversation about the real impact diabetes stigma can have on a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
Help raise awareness about the campaign by spreading the word:
#NDW2021 #headsupdiabetes #simplynutrition #dieitian #diabetes #diabeteseducation #HyposHappen #diabetesaustralia
I was actually kicked out of a popular and quite huge venue on my sisters 21st birthday because they assumed I was drunk and I had ‘glassy eyes’ so I must have taken some other substance and be drunk and I was ‘kicked out’ .. I was literally walked out infront of HUNDREDS of people like I was a criminal but little did they know we were all rushing to the bar to get me a soft drink because I was having a hypo. How embarrassing and unfair treatment. That all came out AFTER they had removed me from the premises and I tried explaining, they didn’t believe me so then I had to put up a fight and argue my point about my health and my diabetes. I was getting all different cards that would have something health/diabetes related like my NDSS card and I went onto my emails to find an email from my endocrinologist to ‘prove’ I wasn’t drunk and this was just an unfortunate time to have a hypo. That’s so unfair and was handled very unprofessionally but I guess that’s a lack of awareness and a huge lack of understanding. If I was misbehaving then absolutely but having done nothing wrong but simply look a bit out of it but not actually asking just assuming & then going to the extreme, then that’s not okay and it needs to change. I’m not sure how because when someone thinks your drunk then they are also going to think you are making up excuses but having type 1 diabetes and having a low blood sugar while I’m out at a pub or restaurant does NOT mean I am drunk and it sucks to feel otherwise. Sometimes I wish I could turn around and just ‘I wish I was but NO’ 🤣
Maybe someone needs to make an ID card that has something like
‘I’m not drunk, just ask - I may just be having a low blood sugar’ or something like that?! Little steps in the right direction is better then none! #hyposhappen and there’s nothing I can do about it but please just ask and be ready to help if they need you!
Do you have a hypo story where someone’s thought you were drunk?
Was awoken by a bad dream just now. Didn’t feel #hypo, but thought I should check. Yikes! This is one of my super lows. #grateful my subconscious woke me up!
Damn #diabetes. But the brownie was good!! #diabeteslife #diabetescoach #hyposhappen #dsma doc
Let’s talk hypos. If you live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and use insulin you’ve probably had one, but if you don’t use insulin to manage your diabetes you might be asking what is a ‘hypo’?
Hypoglycaemia, sometimes called a hypo or low, occurs when glucose levels drop too low, below 4mmol/L.
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia vary from person to person. Early signs and symptoms may include:
-Shaking, trembling or weakness
-Sweating
-Paleness
-Hunger
-Light headedness
-Headache
-Dizziness
-Pins and needles around mouth
-Mood change
Hypos can usually be treated with fast acting carbohydrates (jelly beans, soft drink or glucose tablets).
In some cases, if glucose levels continue to drop, it can be dangerous, and you may need someone to help you.
Share and help us spread the word. #hyposhappen
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