Treating a BGL of 3.9 mmol/L or lower

  Less carbohydrate is needed to treat the hypo when using an insulin pump as there is less circulating insulin.

• A BGL less than 4.0 mmol/L is hypo and needs immediate treatment
• BGL must be 4.0 mmol/L or higher before bolusing for a meal or snack

Step 1:

Treat your hypo with quick acting carbohydrates (e.g. glucose tablets or juice).

• 5 years old or younger, give 4-5 grams e.g. 1 GlucoHit Glucose Tablet or 60 mLs juice
  
• 6 years old or older, give 8-10 grams e.g. 2 GlucoHit Glucose Tablets or 120 mLs juice  

Step 2:

Re-check BGL in 15 minutes.

• If BGL 4.0mmol/L or higher, move to step 3.
  
• If BGL 3.9 mmol/L or lower, repeat step 1
  

Step 3A: when using Automode (i.e. Control IQ, SmartGuard) 

No further action required.

Enter any carbohydrate consumed into pump and receive bolus as normal.

Do not bolus for this treatment

Step 3B: when using manual mode 

If initial BGL 1.9mmol/L or lower, eat 10-15 grams of LONG ACTING CHO. Do not bolus for this carbohydrate.

If initial BGL 2.0mmol/L or higher, no further action is require. Enter any carbohydrate consumed into pump and receive bolus as normal.

Remember:

- BGL’s must be 4.0mmol/L or higher before bolusing for meals or snacks

- If using Hybrid close loop (HCL)/automode, treatment for hypoglycaemia may need to be reduced to avoid rebound hyperglycaemia. It is important to regularly upload and review the pump report to assess this.  

Common reasons for hypo when using a pump:

• Too much insulin - pump settings need to be adjusted 
  
• Exercise without using a Temp Target (Medtronic), Exercise Activity (Tandem t:slimX2), Ease off (Ypso CamAPS) or temporary basal rate (when not using HCL/automode)  
• Eating less carbohydrates than grams entered into the pump

Other causes of hypoglycaemia: 

• Alcohol intake
• increased weather temperature 
• illnesses that reduce your appetite 

Page updated September 2024