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 own low blood sugar from diabetes or some other health condition that can cause low blood sugar. Make a copy for your partner, coworkers, and friends. If your child has diabetes, you need to provide a copy for teachers, coaches, and other school staff.
If the person has type 2 diabetes and is taking oral medicine (not insulin) that can continue to cause low blood sugar, stay with the person for a few hours after his or her blood sugar level has returned to the target range.
The Dieter’s (and Diabetic Person's) Guide to Buying Chocolate
How can you get your daily chocolate fix -- and eat less sugar or calories, too? That's a million-dollar question that several companies are banking on people asking. Over the past few years, the sugar-free and portion-controlled chocolate market has exploded. There are all sorts of sugar-free versions of favorite chocolate bars. And you can now buy individually wrapped chocolate bars or sticks in 60- to 100-calorie portions, along with the ever-popular kisses. To help you decide among all...
Read the The Dieter’s (and Diabetic Person's) Guide to Buying Chocolate article > >
- Make sure the person can swallow.
- Lift the person's head so that it will be easier for the person to swallow.
- Give the person � teaspoon of water to swallow.
- 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 quick-sugar foods.
- If a home blood sugar meter is available, check the person's blood sugar level.
- 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.
- If possible, check the blood sugar level again.
- Offer the person a snack (such as cheese and crackers or half of a sandwich).
- If the person becomes more sleepy or lethargic, call 911or other emergency services.
- Stay with the person until his or her blood sugar level is 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher or until emergency help comes.
- If the person chokes or coughs on the water:
- Do not try to give the person foods or liquids, because they could be inhaled.
- Give the person a shot of glucagon if one is
available. Follow the directions given with the glucagon
medicine. View a slideshow of steps for
preparing a glucagon injection
and a slideshow for
giving a glucagon injection . - After you give the glucagon shot, immediately call 911 for emergency care.
- If emergency help has not arrived within 5 minutes and the person is still unconscious, give another glucagon shot.
- If a home blood sugar meter is available, check the person's blood sugar level.
- Stay with the person until emergency help comes.
- If the person is unconscious but not having a seizure:
- Turn the person on his or her side, and make sure the airway is not blocked.
- Give the person a shot of glucagon if one is
available. Follow the directions given with the medicine. View a slideshow of steps for
preparing a glucagon injection and a slideshow for
giving a glucagon injection .
- After you give the glucagon shot, immediately call 911 for emergency care.
- If emergency help has not arrived within 5 minutes and the person is still unconscious, give another glucagon shot.
- If a home blood sugar meter is available, check the person's blood sugar level.
- If the person becomes more alert, carefully give a quick-sugar food or liquid.
- If possible, check the person's blood sugar level again.
- Stay with the person until emergency help comes.
- If the person is unconscious and is having a seizure:
- Get the person in a safe position, such as lying flat on the floor. Turn the person's head to the side.
- Do not try to give him or her anything to eat or drink or put anything in the mouth.
- If glucagon is available, give the person a shot of glucagon when the seizure stops.
- After you give the glucagon shot, immediately call 911 for emergency care.
- 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.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
Step: of
Today in Diabetes
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.