Low blood sugar — hypoglycemia — is the one diabetes complication that can hurt you in minutes, not years.
If you are on insulin or certain oral medications (sulfonylureas), you need to recognise it instantly. This page is bookmark-worthy.
Early warning signs
- Sudden hunger that feels desperate
- Shakiness or trembling hands
- Sweating without reason
- Heart racing
- Anxiety or irritability that comes out of nowhere
- Headache
- Tingling lips or tongue
- Sudden tiredness or "fuzzy" thinking
The 15-15 rule
If you suspect hypo and can test, test. If under 70 mg/dL (or symptoms are severe and you can't test):
- 1. Eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbs. Options: 3 glucose tablets, half cup juice (not diet), 1 tablespoon sugar in water, 3 boiled sweets.
- 2. Wait 15 minutes.
- 3. Re-test. If still under 70, repeat step 1.
- 4. Once stable, eat a small protein/carb snack (a biscuit, a small fruit) to prevent another drop.
Severe hypo — when to call emergency
If the person is confused, unable to swallow, having a seizure, or unconscious: do not give food or water orally. They can choke.
- Call emergency services immediately
- If you have glucagon (injectable or nasal), give it now
- Place them on their side
- Stay until help arrives
Recurring hypos — even mild ones — mean your medication needs adjustment. Talk to your doctor. Ask DiaCare AI to help you list the right questions.