How to manage hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia is a common side-effect of insulin therapy and of some oral hypoglycaemic tablets that stimulate insulin production. It affects quality of life, can prevent people with diabetes from achieving the blood glucose control required to reduce their risk of diabetes complications, and can also be fatal. This article defines hypoglycaemia, what causes it, how can it be identified and treated, and how nurses can support people at risk of this disabling and frightening condition.