Diabetes type 1 sufferers must immediately act to raise their blood sugar levels if they fall too low. If blood sugar falls to “severe” low levels it could result in life-threatening seizures and nervous system damage. Dr David Cavan, a diabetes consultant with 20 years experience, called on sufferers to eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate whenever their blood sugar levels dip below normal. Writing in his book ‘Take Control of Type 1 Diabetes’, Dr Cavan said: “In order to increase the low blood sugar levels as soon as possible, the ideal option is a sugar-rich food or drink. “It is recommended to eat a 15 gram fast-acting carbohydrate and then wait 10 - 15 minutes, re-test and if the sugar level is still below four mmol/l, treat again with a further 15 gram carbohydrate.”

Diabetes: Eat this to help avoid a hypoglycaemic event and raise blood sugar levels

Eating four jelly babies, three large marshmallows or six fruit pastilles could all provide enough carbohydrate to raise blood sugar, added Dr Cavan. “Following this immediate treatment, if you are about to eat, then you should take your normal (or a slightly reduced) dose of insulin and eat straight away. “If the hypo occurred between meals, it is advisable to have a small snack such as a piece of fruit for a sandwich, with no additional insulin. “Once you have treated the hypo, try and identify what caused it. He further said the only reason you have a hypoglycaemic moment, or hypo, is because there is too much insulin in the blood stream.

Diabetes: Eating these foods could help you avoid a hypoglycaemic event

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Diabetes: Eating four gummy bears could help you maintain blood sugar levels

Common reasons for low blood sugar include taking too much insulin at mealtimes, having too much basal insulin or being more active than usual. The NHS said low blood sugar can be “dangerous” if not treated promptly. “It causes different symptoms for everybody. You’ll learn how it makes you feel if you keep getting it, although your symptoms may change over time.” Early symptoms of the condition include feeling hungry, sweating and tingling lips. “Hypos can also occur while sleeping, which may wake you up during the night or cause headaches, tiredness or damp sheets (from sweating) in the morning,” continued the NHS.

Diabetes: It is important to maintain blood sugar levels to avoid a hypoglycaemic event