Campaign launched to equip every person with diabetes with ‘survival’ HypoCard
A campaign has been launched urging everyone with diabetes to carry a card featuring potentially life-saving advice.
The HypoCard, which can fit inside a wallet or purse, provides vital tips on what to do if the card carrier experiences a hypo (hypoglycaemia) – a life-threatening condition triggered when blood sugar levels fall under 4mmol/L. Too much insulin or too little food can spark a hypo.
As the HypoCard informs, hypoglycaemia can occur quickly, and requires immediate treatment. If the patient becomes ill quickly, or cannot respond to questions, the pocket-sized card features lifesaving information, informing someone to call the emergency services to assist them.
The card also details the symptoms of a hypo, so reading the card will inform and prepare people of the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Launched by healthcare business GlucoRx ahead of World Diabetes Day on Tuesday, November 14, with the tagline ‘one card can save your life’, the GlucoRx HypoCard has an important role in helping people with diabetes feel safer.
Chris Chapman, GlucoRx’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The ambition is for every person with diabetes to be carrying a HypoCard – it could save their life.
“A hypo can happen suddenly, and at any time, and having a HypoCard in your wallet is a non-verbal way of informing those around you, you need help.
“Someone with symptoms of a hypo may appear as if they are intoxicated – this is where the HypoCard is so important because if they can show their card to someone, it means they’ll get the urgent help they need rather than being ignored because people think they are drunk.
“We want to spread the HypoCard message far and wide so we’re urging anyone with diabetes, or anyone who is involved in their care, to get their hands on one to make sure they end up in the pockets, wallets and bags of people who may one day rely on them for life-saving help.”
The card details signs of hypoglycaemia, including sweating, fatigue, dizziness and shakiness. It also offers several recommended methods of treatment, including the correct number of small sweets or fruit juice.
The team at GlucoRx behind the card campaign has urged people with diabetes to get in touch to order their free card. GP practices and other healthcare settings can order a bulk delivery by getting in touch with the Guildford-based firm.
How to order a HypoCard:
Healthcare professionals/primary and secondary care teams: Contact the GlucoRx customer care team on 0800 007 5892 or email info@glucorx.co.uk.
Visit GlucoRx’s website here or visit: https://www.glucorx.co.uk/.
GlucoRx Limited is the NHS’ largest supplier of quality diabetic products. Founded in 2010, the company is committed to improving the lives of people with diabetes.
In addition, it offers significant savings on blood glucose meters and diabetes management solutions without compromising on quality and patient care.
In the past 10 years, GlucoRx has saved the NHS around £350 million by reaching out toIntegrated Care Systems across the UK.