Health Topics

• Not enough food
• Too much insulin
• Increased physical activity without taking extra carbohydrates
• Waiting more than 10-15 minutes to eat after taking rapid-acting insulin dose

• Shaking
• Sweaty
• Hunger
• Weak
• Dizzy
• Headache
• Irritable
• Fast heartbeat
• Anxious
• Blurry vision

If your child is having any of these symptoms, test the blood glucose.  If the blood glucose is less than 70 mg / dL or you are unable to test blood glucose and see symptoms of hypoglycemia, follow the “Treatment for Hypoglycemia” (below).

You need to treat hypoglycemia right away. To treat, take 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as one of the following, as soon as symptoms start: 

• 4 oz. fruit juice
• 4 oz. regular soda pop
• 5-8 lifesavers
• 3-4 glucose tablets
• 3 packets of sugar

If treating a child, do not leave him or her alone. Re-test blood glucose in 15 minutes.  Repeat the treatment if blood glucose is still low and re-test in 15 minutes. If blood glucose continues to be low, call your healthcare provider or dial 911.

If the blood glucose gets too low, it can cause a person to become unconscious (pass out) and / or have a seizure. 

• Give glucagon by injection.  Glucagon is a hormone made by the body and is safe to administer. Follow your healthcare provider’s directions for administration and dosing.  Call 911 after administering glucagon.
• If glucagon is not available, call 911 right away.
• Let your healthcare provider know if you have had a severe low blood glucose.

• Wear diabetes identification.
• Carry fast-acting carbohydrates.
• Test blood glucose regularly as directed by your healthcare provider or diabetes educator.
• Educate friends, family and others around you about signs, symptoms and treatment of hypoglycemia.