User guide
As you know, you cannot always avoid low blood glucose. It is important that you create a routine to follow
when your BG is low. If you have a routine, you will have something ready to treat a low BG. This makes it
less likely that you will over-treat your low BG, and cause your BG to go up too much.
It is best to use something that you can always carry with you. Choose a food that is all carbohydrate because
it will be fast acting. Avoid using high fat foods such as chocolate. They will not work fast enough, and you
may also end up over-treating your lows. When treating hypoglycemia, start with 15 grams of fast acting
carbohydrates. Do not keep eating until you feel better. Eat the required amount and stop. The feelings will
pass and you will be grateful that you did not overdo it.
Some people with diabetes know when their blood glucose is low and some do not. If you are not aware of
hypoglycemia, it is important to test your blood glucose more often. Everyone with diabetes should test
before driving a car to assure safety on the road. Blood glucose should be above 5.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL)
before driving and at bedtime.
Tip: We suggest that you use glucose tablets to treat a low. These tablets contain a known, pre-measured
amount of carbohydrate, and are in handy packages that you can carry in your pocket, purse, or car.
Hypoglycemia protocol: the rule of 15
Check with your healthcare professional for guidelines on treating your low BG. The following instructions
are commonly used to treat a BG that is 3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) or lower:
1 Eat 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrate.
2 Check BG again in 15 minutes; if not above 3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL), repeat treatment.
3 Check BG every 15 minutes, and repeat treatment until your BG is above 3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL).
4 Contact your healthcare professional if your BG does not go above 3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) after repeated
treatment.
These items have 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrates:
• Glucose tablets (three, 5-gram tablets or four, 4-gram tablets)
• 120 mL of juice or soda (not diet)
• 6-7 Life Savers
®
(hard candies)
• 15 mL of table sugar or honey
Introduction to pump therapy 15
Chapter 2