Type 1 Diabetes: Emergency Care for Low Blood Sugar

This information is for people who may help you if you are too weak or confused to treat your low blood sugar. Make a copy for your partner, coworkers, and friends.

• Make sure the person can swallow. Give the person ½ teaspoon of water. If the person can swallow the water without choking or coughing:
  • Give him or her 4 oz of liquid (juice or soda pop) from the list of Reference quick-sugar foods, or glucose tabs or gel if available.
  • Wait 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Offer the person more quick-sugar food if he or she is feeling better but still has some symptoms of low blood sugar.
  • Check the person's blood sugar level using his or her blood sugar (glucose) meter if available.
  • Stay with the person until his or her blood sugar level is 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher.
  • Offer the person a snack (such as cheese and crackers or half of a sandwich).
  • If the person becomes more sleepy or seems to have no energy, call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
• If the person is unconscious or unable to swallow:
  • Call 911 for emergency care right away.
  • Give the person a shot of glucagon if one is available. See a slideshow about Reference how to give a glucagon injection Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
  • If emergency help has not arrived within 5 minutes and the person is still unconscious, give another glucagon shot.
  • Stay with the person until emergency help comes.

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