Thousands of ‘survival’ HypoCards issued to people with diabetes could help to save lives
Almost 3,500 HypoCards have been handed out to people with diabetes providing vital advice on what to do should the card-carrier experience hypoglycaemia – a condition that can be life-threatening.
Healthcare business GlucoRx launched its HypoCard campaign in September, with the aim of providing everyone with diabetes with the wallet-sized information card.
The HypoCard features potentially life-saving tips on the action that should be taken if someone with diabetes experiences a hypo (hypoglycaemia), which is triggered when blood sugar levels fall under 4mmol/L. Too much insulin or too little food can spark a hypo.
Since the launch of the campaign, GlucoRx has sent out a total of 3,485 HypoCards, with just over 2,800 cards sent out in one week alone.
Hospitals and GP practices have received 2,772 cards while a further 713 HypoCards have been sent out to individuals with diabetes who contacted the Guildford-based firm directly.
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 life-saving information, informing someone to call the emergency services to assist them.
The card, which has been launched with the tagline ‘one card can save your life’, 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.
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.
“The interest in the HypoCards since we launched our campaign demonstrates their value in helping people with diabetes feel safer. Living with diabetes can feel relentless, so if this helps to relieve even a small part of that burden, it is a worthwhile project.
“On a wider scale, the HypoCards help to shine the spotlight on a condition that, if left untreated, can be fatal. It could be the case that for someone with diabetes, their life is in your hands.”
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.
Mr Chapman added: “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 team at GlucoRx behind the card campaign has urged people with diabetes to get in touch to order their card. GP practices and other healthcare settings can order a bulk delivery by getting in touch with the company.
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 to Integrated Care Systems across the UK.