Post Time: 2025-09-01
Hypoglycemia: What To Do In Case of Emergency
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a condition that occurs when the glucose level in your blood drops too low. It's most common in people with diabetes, but it can happen to anyone. Recognizing the signs of hypoglycemia and knowing what to do in an emergency is crucial for anyone at risk. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to respond to a hypoglycemic emergency, equipping you with the knowledge and steps needed to ensure safety and well-being.
Why Is Hypoglycemia an Emergency? When your blood sugar falls too low, your brain doesn't get enough fuel to function properly. This can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe neurological issues. Untreated severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and can be life-threatening. Therefore, treating low blood sugar promptly is critical.
The Importance of Recognizing Symptoms: Understanding the symptoms of hypoglycemia is the first step in managing an emergency. Symptoms can vary from person to person but generally include:
- Early Symptoms (Mild to Moderate Hypoglycemia):
- Shakiness or trembling
- Sweating
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Hunger
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Headache
- Blurred vision or double vision
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Late Symptoms (Severe Hypoglycemia):
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
It is critical to act as soon as any symptoms of hypoglycemia appear to prevent them from escalating to severe conditions.
First Steps: Responding to Mild Hypoglycemia
When you or someone around you shows early signs of hypoglycemia, take immediate action. Prompt management at this stage can prevent the situation from progressing. Here’s what to do:
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Check Blood Glucose:
- If the person has a blood glucose meter, use it to check their blood sugar levels right away. A reading below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) typically indicates hypoglycemia. However, it is important to note that some individuals may have a normal or higher tolerance than others.
- If a blood glucose meter isn't immediately available, proceed with treatment based on the symptoms if there is a high probability the symptoms indicate low blood sugar.
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The 15-15 Rule:
- Consume 15 Grams of Fast-Acting Carbohydrates: Give the individual something that will quickly raise their blood sugar. This could be:
- 3-4 glucose tablets
- ½ cup (4 ounces or 120 ml) of fruit juice (not diet)
- ½ cup (4 ounces or 120 ml) of regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey or syrup
- Hard candy (e.g. 5-6 pieces of hard candy, but only if not in the throes of more sever symptoms)
- Avoid giving fats as these will slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood stream.
- Wait 15 Minutes: Wait for 15 minutes, and then recheck their blood sugar if a meter is available. This allows time for the glucose to take effect.
- If the blood glucose level remains below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), repeat this treatment. Repeat this until it is above 70mg/dL.
- Once the blood sugar is back in range, the individual should follow-up by eating something with complex carbohydrates and protein in it (for example: a peanut butter sandwich) if they will not be eating within 1 hour or so to prevent their blood sugar from dropping again.
- Consume 15 Grams of Fast-Acting Carbohydrates: Give the individual something that will quickly raise their blood sugar. This could be:
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Continue to monitor the person’s symptoms to ensure that their condition is improving.
What to Avoid:
- Do not give large amounts of sugar as this can lead to a dangerous "sugar high". This will create a spike in blood sugar that will quickly fall, once again creating the conditions that would lead to hypoglycemia. This is an over-correction that causes an imbalance.
- Avoid offering food or drinks to an individual who is not fully conscious.
Responding to Severe Hypoglycemia
Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency and requires immediate and decisive action. This stage is characterized by loss of consciousness, seizures, or the inability of the person to help themselves. Here’s what to do:
-
Administer Glucagon (If Available):
- Glucagon is a hormone that can raise blood sugar quickly. If the person is known to have severe hypoglycemia, they may have a glucagon kit prescribed to them. If a kit is available, use it:
- How to Administer Glucagon: Glucagon is administered as an injection, typically in the thigh, arm, or buttocks. If possible, consult the instructions in the glucagon kit, and/or make sure you are familiar with these directions if you are often in a care-taking position for a person who has a known risk of low blood sugar.
- After administration of glucagon, it will often take 5-15 minutes for the individual to regain consciousness and feel better. In general, most people will require an emergency room visit, following this instance of severe hypoglycemia.
- If the individual continues to be unresponsive for 15 minutes after the glucagon is administered, or does not begin to improve over the course of that time frame, call emergency services immediately.
- Glucagon may also be administered nasally, especially for a very young child, or for a person who may be prone to fainting when they are getting an injection. This also will work very quickly.
- If it is the first time a glucagon is being given, consult an emergency medical technician or a medical professional after its use for next step guidance.
- Glucagon is a hormone that can raise blood sugar quickly. If the person is known to have severe hypoglycemia, they may have a glucagon kit prescribed to them. If a kit is available, use it:
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Call Emergency Services (911 or Your Local Emergency Number):
- If the person is unconscious, having seizures, or doesn’t respond to glucagon, call for emergency medical help immediately. Do not wait.
- Provide as much detail as possible to the operator. Be sure to include medical history, or whether there is a known diabetic diagnosis. Also note if you have provided an emergency glucagon injection.
- Once you call, be prepared for questions on the phone about the location where you are to help first responders arrive as quickly as possible, and be ready to assist them when they get to the location.
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Do Not Administer Anything Orally:
- Do not give food or liquids to someone who is unconscious, convulsing, or unable to swallow, as it poses a serious choking risk. It will be up to emergency professionals when they can begin to ingest anything by mouth.
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Stay With the Person:
- Remain with the individual until help arrives and provide support for the situation.
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After The Crisis:
- If the person has regained consciousness prior to the arrival of emergency personnel, be certain to inquire about the most recent food or fluids the individual has ingested, so that paramedics will have the most clear view of how to provide help.
| Action | When to Take It |
|---|---|
| Check Blood Glucose | At the onset of any hypoglycemia symptoms or suspicion. |
| 15-15 Rule | When experiencing mild hypoglycemia and is able to take items orally. |
| Administer Glucagon | If a person with known hypoglycemia becomes unresponsive and has a Glucagon kit available. |
| Call Emergency Services | If there are signs of severe hypoglycemia (unconsciousness, seizures, or not responsive to the 15-15 rule) |
| Do Not Administer Oral Items | If the person is unconscious, or having a seizure, or unable to swallow |
| Stay With The Person | Always, from onset of symptoms, until first responders have arrived |
Preventing Future Hypoglycemia Emergencies
While knowing how to respond is critical, prevention is even more important. Here are some preventative measures that can help manage and avoid hypoglycemia:
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Regular Meals and Snacks:
- Eat meals and snacks regularly, especially for those with diabetes, and follow a meal plan. Skipping meals or long gaps in between food can trigger low blood sugar.
- People with diabetes who are active should make a meal plan that considers increased carbohydrate consumption, as their bodies will burn through more energy.
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Monitor Blood Sugar Levels:
- Those at risk should regularly check their blood glucose levels.
- Use the reading to make adjustments with food, exercise, or medication management with the assistance of their medical provider.
- Those at risk should regularly check their blood glucose levels.
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Medication Management:
- For those taking diabetes medications, strictly adhere to prescribed dosages. Taking too much insulin or oral diabetes medication can cause hypoglycemia.
- Be sure to consult a medical professional before increasing or decreasing medication or insulin.
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Exercise Wisely:
- Adjust your insulin dose or carbohydrate intake before, during, and after exercise. Regular exercise can help manage diabetes, but being aware of these additional factors can prevent unexpected drops in blood sugar.
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Wear Medical ID:
- If you are at risk, consider wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace to inform others of your condition in case of an emergency.
- Keep a list of emergency contacts handy for medical professionals.
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Carry Fast-Acting Carbohydrates:
- Always have a supply of fast-acting carbohydrates (like glucose tablets, juice) on hand and easily accessible.
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Educate Loved Ones:
- Family members, friends, and colleagues should be aware of the risks of low blood sugar and know the steps to take in case of an emergency. Those who live with someone who has a risk of low blood sugar, should review these emergency response options on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Hypoglycemia can be a dangerous condition, but by knowing the symptoms, understanding the right steps to take during an emergency, and practicing prevention methods, you can effectively manage this risk. By understanding the steps, and putting them into practice, those at risk for severe hypoglycemia can have a higher degree of personal safety. Preparation, awareness, and the knowledge of action are critical in keeping yourself, your loved ones and your community safe and healthy.
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