Hypoglycaemia
Refer to local hypoglycaemia treatment guidelines:
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Hypoglycaemia Algorithm
- NHS Dumfries & Galloway - Hypoglycaemia - Doctors Handbook
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde - Diabetes, Algorithm for Treatment of Hypoglycaemia in Adults with Diabetes
Treatment of hypoglycaemia
Choice of treatment depends on the clinical situation.
Glucose
Lift Glucose tablets orange
Lift Fast Acting Glucose Shot liquid
Glucose 40% oral gel
Glucose 10% infusion 500ml bags
Glucose 20% infusion 500ml bags
Glucagon
GlucaGen Hypokit 1mg powder and solvent for solution for injection
Prescribing Notes:
- In primary care advising patients to purchase hypoglycaemia treatments is suitable for the majority.
- Initial oral doses of 15-20g glucose are given if appropriate (this is equivalent to 4-5 glucose tablets or 1.5-2 tubes of glucose 40% gel).
- Glucose 20% infusion has an increased risk of extravasation compared to the 10% infusion.
History Notes
30/07/2026
Regional formulary chapter launched.