Recognizing and Treating Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can come on quickly. Early signs often include shakiness, sweating, a fast heartbeat, sudden hunger, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. Everyone's early warning signs are slightly different, so it helps to learn your own pattern.

If you suspect a low and can check your blood sugar, do it — but if you can't check right away and you feel the signs, treat first. The general rule taught by many diabetes educators is 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, then re-check in 15 minutes.

Fast-acting carbs mean something that raises blood sugar quickly: glucose tablets, a small glass of juice, or regular (non-diet) soda — not chocolate or foods with fat, which slow absorption. Keep a source within reach at home, at work, and in any bag you carry regularly.

If levels are still low after 15 minutes, repeat the treatment. Once blood sugar is back in range, eating a small snack with some protein — if your next meal is more than an hour away — helps prevent a second drop.

Severe hypoglycemia, where someone can't safely swallow or becomes confused or unconscious, is a medical emergency that needs glucagon or emergency care — not food by mouth. Talk to your care team about whether you should carry a glucagon kit and make sure people close to you know how to use it.