Talk about Hypos

For people living with diabetes, experiencing and overcoming a hypoglycaemia (also known as hypo or low blood sugar) can be worrying. This is no different for their family members, who endure similar feelings. 
The TALK-HYPO1 multi-national study gathered the experience of 4,300 family members of people with diabetes*, who recognised the impact that hypos can have on their own lives**.
Simply talking about hypos was highlighted as a solution that can lead to better management of hypos and bring families closer together.

Talk about hypos with your loved ones

 

*Type 1 and type 2 diabetes, taking insulin and/or secretagogues at least 12 months prior to the study

**The testimonial captured in the films are not part of the Talk-Hypo survey results. For more details please visit the survey section.

Just like those families in the films broke down the wall of silence around hypos, you can do the same.

 
A simple conversation about your concerns, feelings or experiences related to hypos with your family member(s) or with a health care professional can be beneficial.
Initiating such discussions can be difficult. Here are some suggestions to help you start your own conversations. Choose a card, write down the answers and discuss them with some of the people closest to you. 
Conversation starters for people with diabetes
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QUESTION FOR PERSONS WITH DIABETES

How confident are you talking about your concerns and feelings related to your hypos with your family member? What could be some of the barriers for having such discussions?

QUESTION FOR PERSONS WITH DIABETES

How can your loved ones support you more in reducing your concerns around hypos?

QUESTION FOR PERSONS WITH DIABETES

What impact do hypos, or the fear of a hypo, have on those around you? Would talking about it more help?

QUESTION FOR PERSONS WITH DIABETES

How does talking to your doctor about your feelings and concerns related to hypos help you and your loved ones? And how would having your family there with you during these discussions support you more?
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Conversation starters for families
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QUESTION FOR THE FAMILIES

To what extent would you say hypos affect the well-being of your loved one with diabetes? And how does that make them feel?

QUESTION FOR THE FAMILIES

How do you feel regarding your loved one’s hypos? And how do you think you can play a role in supporting them? 

QUESTION FOR THE FAMILIES

How often do you talk about your concerns and feelings related to your loved one’s hypos with them? What could be some of the barriers for having such discussions?

QUESTION FOR THE FAMILIES

How does taking part in the discussion around hypos with your loved one with diabetes and their doctor help you as a family? And how can you be involved and support more?
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Conversation Starters for health care professionals
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We would suggest you start the conversation by assessing your patient’s general well being and the impact hypos may have on their hobbies, daily routines, holidays, etc. by asking simple questions such as:
 

QUESTION FOR HCPs

Have you been playing tennis as much as you would like? If no, why not?

QUESTION FOR HCPs

Did you enjoy your summer break with your family? follow-up by: did you feel too tired in the mornings which prevented you from joining your family during your vacation?

QUESTION FOR HCPs

How's work? Have you taken a sick day in the past month? Have you felt dizzy or suddenly felt a bit angry in the office/with your peers?

QUESTION FOR HCPs

Do you ever avoid telling your loved ones about hypos, so you don’t worry them? How would involving them more help you?

QUESTION FOR HCPs

Have there been situations recently where you weren’t able to do what you wanted because of a hypo? And how can we work together in preventing that in the future?
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When to speak to a doctor

If you’re living with diabetes and you frequently experience hypos (low blood sugar) – even if it’s only mild episodes – it’s important you speak to your doctor or nurse.

Families like your own.

We talked to families from 7 countries. They shared their daily challenges and worries of hypos with us. Are these challenges similar to those you face every day?
 

More information

For more information about hypos, its symptoms and management, please visit the FAQ section

Share the message.

Let’s keep the conversation going... share these conversations with others, so the people you care about can take part too.

Reference

1Ratzki-Leewing A, Parvaresh Rizi E, Harris SB. The Forgotten Players in the Diabetes Care Team (The TALK-HYPO Study). Diabetes Ther. 2019 (In Press).