Low glucose suspend
Clinical proof for the validity of LGS has been published this year
by the American Diabetes Association. The Aspire In-Home
Study conducted in the USA involving 247 people took place in
June 2013. The diabetics involved were considered to be 'hypo
prone'. The data showed that there were 40% fewer hypos at
night within this hypo prone population (and criteria of hypo
severity was that they needed third party assistance). It is also
possible that the LGS system helps to reduce the post-hypo
rebound too.
In Australia there was an LGS severe hypo study; this was a
six-month trial that revealed Strong evidence that there were less
hypos at night using CGM and LGS, including zero severe hypo
events. There were only moderate hypo events in the LGS group
compared to a comparative population in the trial using pump
therapy alone.
How to handle a hypo
Among the many practical ways of handling a hypo is pretty
much to just be prepared. Do blood tests. Keep a sugar source
handy. Let people know what behaviours to watch for.
Most of us know our symptoms. We get shakey, we get
fractious, we get a sudden and profound need to eat. The
Grumpy Pumper refers to hypo hunger - you know that feeling,
you'd eat anything. His philosophy is to deals with the hypo now
and worries about the high later (also known as hypo rebound).
It helps to keep track of your sugars after your hypo, in that way
you can see if you've taken on board too much and might even
need to send in an insulin chaser to bring things back down
again. Not too much though, don't want another hypo!
Among the hypo treatments available are these three
(pictured right). From the top, DiaBee's Honey Doses. GSF Syrup
(glucose, sucrose and fructose syrups in sachets containing 13g
of carbohydrate, each sugar releasing one after the other into
your blood stream to save on too big a load in one go). It comes
in different flavours and is available on prescription. GlucoTabs
in tablet form comes in orange and raspberry flavours as well
as their sibling, GlucoGel, which comes in different flavours too.