Hypoglycemia - Hypos (Low blood glucose)

Hypoglycemia means LOW blood glucose. This word is often shortened to 'hypo'. If your blood glucose level is below 4.0 mmol/L you will probably be 'hypo'. In someone who doesn't have diabetes, the pancreas will stop producing insulin if the blood glucose level is below normal. But in a person with diabetes, the injected insulin will go on working even when the blood glucose level is low.

Hypos may happen if your meal or snack is delayed or missed, after exercise, or if too much insulin is given. The body responds to hypos with some warning signs, which may be different in each child. You will learn to recognize these early warning signs and so be able to act quickly to treat them.