Low blood sugar—also known as hypoglycemia—can be scary, unpredictable, and, in some cases, life-threatening. If you or someone close to you is living with diabetes, understanding how to recognize and respond to low blood sugar can be the difference between a quick recovery and a serious medical emergency.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what hypoglycemia is, how to spot the early warning signs, what to do when it happens, and how to make sure the people around you are prepared to help when you need them most.
🧠 What Is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). For people on insulin or certain diabetes medications (like sulfonylureas), low blood sugar can happen if you skip a meal, exercise more than usual, drink alcohol, or accidentally take too much medication.
It can sneak up fast—and it doesn’t always give much warning.
⚠️ Early Symptoms to Watch For
Everyone experiences hypoglycemia a little differently, but here are some common early warning signs to look out for:
- Shakiness or trembling
- Sweating (cold, clammy skin)
- Rapid heartbeat
- Irritability or anxiety
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Hunger
- Weakness or fatigue
If blood sugar continues to drop, more severe symptoms can follow:
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Inability to concentrate
- Clumsiness or uncoordinated movements
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
🆘 What To Do: Step-by-Step First Aid for Hypoglycemia
✅ Step 1: Check for Symptoms
If the person is awake and alert, ask them if they’re experiencing low blood sugar. If they use a glucose meter or CGM (continuous glucose monitor), they should check their levels right away.
If blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) or if a reading isn’t available but symptoms are present, treat immediately—don’t wait for confirmation.
✅ Step 2: Use the “15-15 Rule”
This is the gold standard for treating mild to moderate hypoglycemia.
The 15-15 Rule:
- Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates.
- Examples:
- 4 glucose tablets
- 1 tube of glucose gel
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) of fruit juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
- 5–6 hard candies (like Lifesavers)
- Examples:
- Wait 15 minutes, then check blood sugar again.
- If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the process:
- Another 15 grams of carbs
- Wait 15 minutes
- Recheck
Once blood sugar returns to normal, follow up with a small meal or snack that includes protein and complex carbs (like a peanut butter sandwich or yogurt) to keep levels stable.
⛑️ Step 3: If the Person Is Unconscious or Having a Seizure
This is a medical emergency. Don’t try to give them anything by mouth—it could cause choking.
Here’s what to do:
- Call emergency services immediately (e.g., 911).
- If trained and available, administer a glucagon injection or nasal spray (such as Baqsimi or Gvoke), which helps raise blood sugar fast.
- Turn the person on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
- Stay with them until help arrives.
If you’re a caregiver or loved one of someone with diabetes, ask their doctor if they need a glucagon emergency kit—and learn how to use it.
👨👩👧👦 Teach Your Circle: Friends, Family, and Co-Workers
One of the most important steps in staying safe is making sure others know what to do in a hypoglycemia emergency.
Here’s what to teach them:
- How to recognize early symptoms of low blood sugar
- Where to find emergency supplies (glucose tablets, juice, glucagon kit)
- The 15-15 Rule for mild symptoms
- When and how to call for emergency help
- How to respond if you pass out or have a seizure
You can even print out a quick-reference guide and keep it in your wallet, your car, your kitchen, or your workplace.
🛡️ Preventing Future Crashes: Smart Habits
While emergencies can happen, there are ways to reduce the risk of low blood sugar:
- Never skip meals, especially if you’re on insulin or medications that lower blood sugar
- Check your levels before and after exercise
- Adjust medications if your eating habits or activity level change (with your doctor’s guidance)
- Limit alcohol—drink with food and check levels more often if you do
- Keep fast-acting carbs nearby at all times
🧾 Final Thoughts
Hypoglycemia is a serious but manageable part of life with diabetes. With the right knowledge, quick action, and a little preparation, you can handle a sugar crash safely and confidently—and help others do the same.
Whether you’re managing diabetes yourself or caring for someone who is, keep the 15-15 Rule in your back pocket, stock up on emergency supplies, and don’t hesitate to get medical help when needed.
Because in the end, staying safe is always the first step toward healing.
Print This and Keep It Handy: Hypoglycemia Emergency Checklist
✅ Know the signs
✅ Carry glucose tablets or juice
✅ Follow the 15-15 Rule
✅ Teach your emergency contacts
✅ Ask your doctor about a glucagon kit
✅ Call 911 if unconscious
Sources & References:
- American Diabetes Association – www.diabetes.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Managing Diabetes: Hypoglycemia”
- Mayo Clinic: “Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) – First Aid”
- Joslin Diabetes Center
