PEOPLE in Bradford who experience day or night-time falls in blood sugar are being encouraged to talk with their GP or a nurse.

The message is part of Hypo Awareness Week which runs this week being backed by health professionals at the Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital.

Hypos happen when glucose in the blood falls to a low level, and symptoms can include a pounding heart, trembling, hunger, difficulty concentrating and blurred vision. Bradford TeachingHospitals NHS Foundation Trust staff will be putting up new diabetes posters and patient information, as well as encouraging staff and patients to talk about the condition and from lunchtime today, staff will also be on hand to discuss the condition at an information stand in the main BRI foyer.

Andrea Lealman, diabetes specialist nurse, said: “We want to raise the profile of diabetes and especially hypoglycaemia and its prevention throughout our hospitals.

Our aim is to increase awareness of diabetes in not just our patients, but also our medical and nursing staff, and give them the information which will help them recognise and treat the condition."

Simon O’Neill, director of Health Intelligence for Diabetes UK, said: “We encourage all people with diabetes to remember the simple TALK Hypos message and to take steps to better manage their day and night-time hypos. These steps can include simple changes to lifestyle, diet and treatment so it is very important to discuss hypos as part of the regular consultation with your doctor or nurse.”