08/10/2026
โ๏ธ SUMMER IS HERE! BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR BLOOD SUGAR DROPS?
๐ฌ HYPOGLYCAEMIA โ KNOW THE SIGNS, KNOW WHAT TO DO, AND REMEMBER THE 15โ15 RULE!
As our South African days become warmer and December approaches, we become busier! Gardening, shopping, cleaning, travelling, spending time outdoors and preparing for the holidays.
But did you know that hot weather and increased physical activity can increase your risk of low blood sugar, especially if you use insulin or certain diabetes tablets?
Let's talk about something every person living with diabetes โ and their family โ should understand.
๐ฉธ WHAT IS A HYPO?
A hypo is when your blood glucose level drops below 4.0 mmol/L.
Your body needs glucose for energy, especially your brain. When your blood sugar drops too low, your body sends out warning signals.
โ ๏ธ WATCH FOR THESE SIGNS:
Suddenly feeling shaky or trembling
Sweating, even when you're not exercising
Feeling dizzy, weak or unusually tired
A sudden feeling of hunger
A racing heartbeat
Headache or blurred vision
Feeling anxious, irritable or confused
Difficulty concentrating
โ๏ธ IMPORTANT: In summer, sweating, dizziness and weakness can also be signs of heat exhaustion. Don't simply assume it's the heat. Check your blood glucose!
โ๏ธ WHY CAN SUMMER INCREASE THE RISK?
When we are more active, our muscles use more glucose for energy.
Hot weather can also change how your body responds to insulin. Heat increases blood flow to the skin and can sometimes make injected insulin absorb faster.
Add sweating, dehydration, delayed meals and extra physical activity, and your blood glucose may become more unpredictable.
Remember: Not everyone will experience more hypos in summer, but insulin users need to be especially careful.
๐ฌ THE LIFE-SAVING 15โ15 RULE
What should you do if your blood glucose is below 4.0 mmol/L and you are awake and able to swallow safely?
STEP 1 โ TAKE 15 GRAMS OF FAST-ACTING CARBOHYDRATE.
Choose ONE of the following:
๐ฅค About 150 ml regular sugary cooldrink (NOT sugar-free), depending on the label
๐ง A small measured portion of ordinary fruit juice providing 15 g carbohydrate
๐ฌ Glucose tablets or glucose sweets providing 15 g carbohydrate, according to the packet
๐ฏ Approximately 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
๐ง Glucose gel providing 15 g carbohydrate, according to the packaging
STEP 2 โ WAIT 15 MINUTES.
Give the glucose time to enter your bloodstream.
STEP 3 โ TEST YOUR BLOOD GLUCOSE AGAIN.
If your reading is still below 4.0 mmol/L, repeat the treatment with another 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate.
Continue checking and repeating until your glucose is at least 4.0 mmol/L.
If your next meal is not soon, have a small snack containing carbohydrate and protein, such as crackers and cheese, to help maintain your glucose level.
๐ซ THE BIG MISTAKE: EATING EVERYTHING IN SIGHT!
Have you ever experienced a hypo and felt so terrible that you wanted to eat or drink everything you could find?
You drink a glass of cooldrink, eat sweets, grab a sandwich and perhaps drink even more juice because you still feel shaky.
Then an hour later, your blood sugar is 14, 16 or even higher!
What happened?
You may have overtreated your hypo.
The sugar you consumed continues entering your bloodstream, even after you begin feeling better.
This can cause a high blood glucose reading afterwards.
Some people then try to correct that high reading with extra insulin, which may cause another low.
And so the cycle continues!
LOW โ TOO MUCH SUGAR โ HIGH โ EXTRA INSULIN โ LOW AGAIN
This is why the 15โ15 rule is so valuable.
Treat the low, give the glucose time to work, and test again before taking more.
๐จ WHEN IS A HYPO AN EMERGENCY?
If someone becomes unconscious, has a seizure, is severely confused or cannot swallow safely:
โ NEVER give food, sweets, drinks or glucose gel by mouth.
โ
Give glucagon if available and someone knows how to administer it.
โ
Call emergency medical services immediately.
โ
Place an unconscious person who is breathing on their side and stay with them.
Severe hypoglycaemia is a medical emergency.
โ๏ธ MY SUMMER DIABETES TIPS
๐ง Drink enough water throughout the day.
๐ Don't skip meals, especially when you're busy.
๐ฉธ Check your blood glucose more often during hot weather or unusual physical activity.
๐ฌ Always carry a measured 15 g hypo treatment in your handbag, pocket or car โ but remember that sweets and glucose products can deteriorate in a hot vehicle.
๐ Keep insulin protected from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Teach your family how to recognise and manage a hypo.
And most importantly, don't change your insulin dose on your own. If you are experiencing repeated low readings, contact your diabetes healthcare team to review your treatment.
๐ MY MESSAGE TO YOU
Living with diabetes doesn't mean you cannot enjoy summer, your garden, family outings or the December holidays.
It simply means you need to understand your body and be prepared.
A hypo can happen quickly. Knowing what to do can save a life.
๐ SAVE THIS POST.
๐ฒ SHARE IT WITH SOMEONE WHO USES INSULIN.
๐ฌ Have you ever experienced a hypo where you ate too much trying to feel better? Share your experience. You may help someone else.
Inner Strength โ Diabetes & Health Education
Educate โข Empower โข Support
Riana Jansen van Rensburg
CDE Diabetes Educator
๐ 064 544 3104
๐ Because diabetes education is not just about numbers โ it's about understanding your body and living safely..
