What to Do When Blood Sugar Drops Dangerously Low?
Understanding the Urgency: Hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect people with diabetes. It can come on quickly and, if not treated immediately, can lead to confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, and even coma. Knowing how to act in these critical moments can save a life.
For the Diabetic Patient: Recognizing and Responding to Low Blood Sugar
If you have diabetes, it’s vital to recognize the early signs of hypoglycemia and act fast. Always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you.
Signs & Symptoms (Mild to Moderate):
- Feeling shaky or jittery
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Paleness
- Blurred vision
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sudden mood changes or irritability
- Headache
- Weakness or tiredness
Immediate Action (If you are conscious and can swallow):
- Check Your Blood Sugar: If possible, check your blood glucose level immediately. A reading below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) indicates hypoglycemia.
- The “15-15 Rule”:
- Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. This is equivalent to:
- 3-4 glucose tablets
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) of fruit juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- 5-6 hard candies or jelly beans
- Wait 15 minutes.
- Recheck your blood sugar.
- Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. This is equivalent to:
- Repeat if Necessary: If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the 15-15 rule.
- Eat a Snack: Once your blood sugar is back to a safe level (above 70 mg/dL), eat a small snack containing both carbohydrates and protein (e.g., a few biscuits and a glass of milk) to prevent another drop.
- Inform Others: Let a family member or friend know what happened.
For Family & Caregivers: How to Help Someone Experiencing Severe Hypoglycemia
Observing a loved one experiencing severe hypoglycemia can be frightening. Your quick and correct actions are crucial.
Signs & Symptoms (Severe Hypoglycemia – REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ACTION):
- Inability to eat or drink
- Confusion, disorientation, or slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
- Seizures or convulsions
Immediate Action (When the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow):
- Do NOT Give Food or Drink by Mouth: Never force food or liquid into the mouth of an unconscious person. They could choke.
- Call Veer Emergency Care Immediately: Open the Veer Emergency Care app and talk to us. Our trained paramedics and dispatchers can provide real-time guidance and dispatch a first responder to your location in Bengaluru.
- Administer Glucagon (If Available and Trained):
- If the person has a glucagon emergency kit and you have been trained on how to use it, administer it according to the instructions. Glucagon is an injection that rapidly raises blood sugar.
- Even if you administer glucagon, still call Veer Emergency Care or local emergency services.
- Position the Person Safely: If the person is unconscious, gently turn them onto their side (recovery position) to prevent choking if they vomit.
- Stay with the Person: Do not leave them alone. Monitor their breathing and level of consciousness until professional help arrives.
- Provide Information: When our first responder arrives or you are speaking to our dispatcher, be ready to provide details about the patient’s condition, medical history, and actions already taken.
Remember: When in doubt, always seek immediate medical attention. Veer Emergency Care is here to provide critical pre-ambulance guidance and assistance in Bangalore during these emergencies.