Hypoglycaemia, also called low blood sugar, and occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) level drops too low to provide enough energy for your body's activities. The majority of participants in endurance will enter hypoglycaemia at some stage and it is vital to keep alert for this. We do not give out structured measurements of how much glucose a participant should take as it varies from a participants build (big man/small women) the type of event, length, speed, fitness etc. The only real way to test how much glucose is in the blood is via a portable blood test:

Normal and target blood glucose ranges (mg/dL) in people who do not have diabetes

Upon waking (fasting) – 70 to 100

After meals – 70 to 140

However it is important to notice when someone is suffering from hypoglycaemia and refer to the medical team. The first thing that should be done is to check for any diabetic records that they may be carrying around their neck or in their pockets.

Symptoms:

• hunger
• nervousness and shakiness
• perspiration
• dizziness or light-headedness
• sleepiness
• confusion
• difficulty speaking
• feeling anxious or weak

Quick treatment: If there are no medical staff available and you believe that the participant is low: