A 10-year-old Swindon boy whose quick thinking and coolness under pressure saved his mother’s life was featured on TV this week.

Channel 4’s programme 999: What’s Your Emergency told how Louie Dean realised his mother Kate, who has Type 1 diabetes, was having a hypoglycaemic attack and was able to speak to the emergency services - which may well have saved her life.

Louie, who was nine at the time said he knew his mother’s blood sugar was too low because she was sweating so much.

Kate from Holne Road, Wichelstowe, managed to stop the car in March 2017 and dial 999 but was heard on the programme to be distressed and confused, not knowing where she was, or what was happening before Louie took over.

And it has prompted charity Diabetes UK to urge people to recognise the symptoms of a ‘hypo’ in case it afflicts them or a loved one.

Libby Dowling, Diabetes UK senior clinical adviser, said: “The symptoms of a hypo can include blurred vision, drowsiness and problems concentrating, which can affect the ability to drive.

“It’s a legal requirement for anyone with diabetes who treats their condition with insulin to test their blood sugar before they get behind the wheel and every two hours if they’re on a long journey.

“Blood glucose levels must be above 5 mmol/l before you start driving and always make sure you carry hypo treatments in your car.”

The charity has also advised on what can be done if you think someone else is suffering from dangerously low blood sugar

Giving them food or drink will be a fast-acting carbohydrate, what can include this:

Five jelly babies, three glucose or dextrose tablets, a small glass of a sugary drink, a small carton of pure fruit juice or a tube of glucose gel.

After the initial sugar boost, the patient should try and eat and drink more to prevent another crash in their blood sugar

A sandwich, piece of fruit, bowl of cereal or a glass of milk will all help.

People with Type 1 diabetes.

Most people who are affected by hypos have Type 1 diabetes and use insulin t are most likely to suffer from hypoglycaemia.

Type 1 diabetes is a hereditary condition that only accounts for 10 per cent of sufferers from the condition.

Type 2 diabetes can be acquired through lifestyle factors such as being overweight and is not usually treated with insulin.

Louie received the Wiltshire Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition last winter in recognition of his bravery, which included trying to flag down passing motorists for the 20 minutes it took for police to arrive.

Mum Kate said she was ‘bursting with pride’ when he picked up the award and added that his two older sisters had been taught what to do if she had a ‘hypo’ but she has never spoken to her son about it.

For more information on managing diabetes visit diabetes.org.uk