Not such a happy new year.

It has finally happened. For most of my years with Diabetes the experts have told me that my blood sugar readings have been too high. I even got rushed to hospital last year as they were higher than usual and were dangerous. Thankfully they sorted me out and I have been okay. Until yesterday!

I suddenly began to feel very cold and faint. I was shaking and shivering and had flashing lights in my eyes. I called my wife who in complete shock and panic rang the NHS 111 line. It was Sunday and new years day so this seemed to be the only choice for help. I knew at once that it was a Hypo so did a finger blood test. My eyes woudn't focus and I struggled to get a reading. When I finally did it was 2.4 mol.

I took several Dextrose glucose tablets and a couple of Mars bars. I also had a glass of fizzy orange. After an hour my sugar levels were 10.0 mol and I felt a lot better. I spoke to a Diabetic specialist nurse today at the local hospital and apparently they no longer recommend chocolate to help a Hypo. I have always been told that if a Hypo occurs I should have some sweets or chocolate, particularly a Mars bar. If they are going to change the advice they give then they should at least tell the patients.

Thanks for your kind replies. I do have an appointment with a specialist consultant in a couple of weeks time. I have always carried around packets of Dextrose tablets and plenty more at home. As my sugar levels have always been high in the past I have never needed them apart from one occasion a few years back when a Hypo struck when I was away on holiday. The Dextrose quickly sorted it.

It was interesting that cxI0702 mentions jelly babies. These were one of the things that the Diabetic nurse suggested yesterday.

I had the two Mars bars because the nurse at 111 asked what I had that I could take and when I said I had a pack of bars she said to have two, She also said that there wasn't enough carbs and could I maybe have a sandwich as well. My sugar levels soon dropped after spiking at 10.0 mmol/L and had dropped to 7.4 mmol/L by the next test before dinner. When I was in hospital, the Daibetic consultant, who was monitoring me, said the ideal levels for me are between 8.00 and 12.0 mmol/L.. Thank you all for your concern and advice.