SAMPLE MODULE 1 Guidelines

Hypoglycaemia – recognising and treating low blood sugar

Please read the guidelines below before using Sample Module 1: Hypoglycaemia – recognising and treating low blood sugar

“Recognising and treating hypoglycaemia” introduces the physical, emotional and practical experience of low blood sugar through clear, visual storytelling.

This module helps people with diabetes – children, teens, adults and families – understand:

  • What hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is
  • How to recognise the wide range of symptoms
  • Why symptoms can feel different each time
  • What to do immediately when a low occurs
  • When hypoglycaemia becomes an emergency

Educators can use this module to guide calm, structured conversations that reduce panic and replace it with clear, actionable steps.

This is a core safety module for the Miss Diabetes Education Hub.

By the end of this module, patients and families will gain:

Understanding

  • Explain what hypoglycaemia is in simple terms (not enough glucose for the brain and body)
  • Recognise a wide range of symptoms (physical, emotional, cognitive)
  • Understand that symptoms can vary between people and from episode to episode

Emotional Support

  • Recognise that symptoms like anger, crying, or “feeling confused” are part of hypoglycaemia, not personal failure
  • Understand that hypos can feel sudden and frightening
  • Reduce shame or confusion around behaviour during lows
  • Begin naming personal experiences of hypoglycaemia

Confidence and Skills

  • Know to act quickly when symptoms appear
  • Understand the role of fast-acting carbohydrates (15–20g)
  • Recognise when they cannot manage alone
  • Understand when to escalate to emergency help (loss of consciousness, severe hypo)

Educator Goals

  • Anchor learning in pattern recognition (symptoms → action)
  • Reduce hesitation (“wait and see”) behaviour
  • Reinforce immediacy of treatment without creating fear
  • Use visuals to improve recall under stress

Every clinic is different. This module works whether you have 5 minutes, 15 minutes or a full session.

Option A – 5 Minute Micro Session

For rushed appointments, drop-ins, follow-ups or overwhelmed families.

  • Show the full hypoglycaemia comic
  • Ask: “Which of these have you felt before?”
  • Reinforce one key rule: “If you feel low — treat immediately.”

Option B – 10-15 Minute Short Session

Walk through the comic in 3 parts:

  • Symptoms grid
  • “Treat it quickly” panel
  • “Get help immediately” panel
  • Ask: “Which symptoms would you notice first?”
  • Reinforce: Fast sugar (15–20g)
  • Briefly explain causes of Hypoglycaemia

Option C – 20-30 Minute Short Session

For structured education or group sessions.

  • Guided walkthrough of the full comic
  • Group discussion: “Why do hypos sometimes feel different?”
  • Scenario practice: “You feel shaky and confused — what do you do first?
  • “You don’t need to be perfect – you need to act early.”

This module has been developed to support people living with type 1 diabetes and their families. Content is aligned with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines (NG17 and NG18), Diabetes UK guidance, and NHS emergency care recommendations, ensuring consistency with evidence-based approaches to recognition, treatment, and self-management of hypoglycaemia.

Alignment to UK Guidance

Recognition of Hypoglycaemia

Includes both:

  • Autonomic symptoms (shaky, sweaty, fast heartbeat)
  • Neuroglycopenic symptoms (confusion, blurred vision, behaviour changes)
  • Reflects the variability of symptoms between individuals and supports early recognition, consistent with NICE and Diabetes UK guidance.

Treatment of Hypoglycaemia

  • Recommends 15-20g of fast-acting carbohydrate, followed by blood glucose recheck after 10–15 minutes
  • Blood glucose recheck after 10–15 minutes
  • Repeat treatment if levels remain low
  • Emphasises prompt treatment and avoidance of overtreatment, aligned with NICE NG17 (section 1.6.26) and Diabetes UK recommendations.

Severe Hypoglycaemia

Clear escalation:

  • Inability to self-treat or loss of consciousness = medical emergency
  • Glucagon (injection or nasal) where available
  • Urgent medical assistance (999)
  • Consistent with NICE guidance on severe hypoglycaemia and NHS emergency care pathways.
Go to Sample Module 1 on Hypoglycaemia