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Two people at a registration desk, one writing and the other using a device.

What is this leaflet for?

This leaflet gives easy read information for people with eating disorders who are at risk of experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

A person is holding a leaflet and pointing to it while asking someone a question

A member of staff or a carer can support you to read this. They will be able to answer any questions that you have.

Close up of a person having a finger prick blood test with a large orange arrow pointing downwards

We wrote this leaflet because many people with eating disorders have low blood sugar.

A person with her back to a plate of food next to a person eating something

An eating disorder can involve eating too much or too little and being really anxious about your weight and body shape.

Man in glasses and white shirt holding paper, talking to another man in a dark sweatshirt across a desk.

This leaflet tells you about low blood sugar and what you can do about it.

It might help you think of things to ask your doctor.

Person in a striped shirt resting their head in their hands.

What is low blood sugar?

Sugar (or glucose) in your blood gives your body energy. When you do not have enough energy, your brain and body cannot work properly.

A person with their chin in their hand. A thought cloud with a hamburger inside is beside them.

Low blood sugar can cause:

  • hunger
A person looking red and flushed, with hand drawings of sweat droplets and steam around them.
  • sweating
Person resting head on crossed arms
  • feeling anxious
Person standing with their arms pointing out to the sides of them. Hand drawn curvy lines have been drawn around her to look like she is shaking.
  • feeling shaky
Close up of a man holding his hands against his chest
  • fast or fluttering heartbeat
A person with pale skin looking sad
  • being very pale
A person lying on the floor with hand drawn black curvy lines around the outside of the body to show movement. Another person is kneeling beside them with their hand on the persons chest.
  • fits
A person looking at the camera with one hand over one of their eyes
  • problems with your sight
A person looking down at the floor with their hands on their head. Beside them is another person offering support.
  • being confused and acting differently
A person making a cup of tea. Covering the image is a big red cross.
  • not being able to do everyday things
A person is lying on the floor with their eyes closed. Another person is kneeling beside them with their hand on their head. One other person looking over them.
  • fainting and the risk of dying
A plate of food is on a table. A person is sitting with their back to the food and table.

What causes low blood sugar

If you have an eating disorder you get low blood sugar when you starve yourself.

A person looking at the camera with food in one hand and eating food in the other hand

But it can also happen when you start eating again

A person in shorts and t-shirt exercising

This is because your body has to use blood sugar to break down the food into more energy.

A person smiling and sitting on a bike

Why you need carbohydrates

Carbohydrates (carbs) are sugars or starches that give your body energy to work properly.

A bowl full of different fruits

Sugars come from:

  • fruit
  • sugary food
A chopping board with bread, potatoes and nuts

Starches come from things like:

  • beans
  • nuts
  • potatoes
  • bread
A person jumping up and down

Your body needs a store of carbs to use for energy.

A person standing on scales weighing themselves. Beside them is a big orange arrow pointing downwards.

If your weight is really low and you go without carbs for two or three hours, you can get low blood sugar.

A carton of orange juice next to a full glass of juice

What to do if you have low blood sugar

1. Drink or eat one of these:

  • 200mls pure fruit juice
A close up of a hand holding a packet of tablets
  • or 5 to 7 dextrose tablets

Please check the food or drink label contains at least 15 to 20 grams of sugars.

A sandwich made with two slices of bread

2. Within 15 minutes eat one of these:

  • two slices of bread as a sandwich
Two digestive biscuits
  • or two digestive biscuits
One banana
  • or one medium banana
A plate of food
  • or your next meal with carbohydrates if it is time for you to eat it
A person holding a telephone to their ear

If you are worried or feeling really unwell:

  • ring 999 or
The entrance to a hospital with the words Accident and Emergency above the door
  • go to the nearest hospital Accident and Emergency department
A person getting into a car. Across the image is a big red cross.

Do not drive if you have low blood sugar.

A booklet with the word Plan and a plate of food on the cover

The only way to make sure your blood sugar stays normal all the time is to:

  • follow your meal plan
Three clocks showing morning, afternoon and evening times. In front of them is a selection of foods
  • eat carbohydrates regularly through the day, like:

- pasta
- bread
- cereals
- potatoes
- rice

A person doing lots of different exercises. In front of the image is a big red cross.
  • not do too much exercise
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Credits

This leaflet was made by the easy read service at Inspired Services Publishing Ltd.

Ref: ISL163 18 - September 2018.

www.inspiredservices.org.uk

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Selected photos are from the Inspired Pics easy read collection and cannot be used anywhere else without written permission from Inspired Services Publishing Ltd.

www.inspired.pics

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This leaflet meets the European easy read standard.

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Ref: PIC/801/0424 V3 ER

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288

Review date 2027

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