Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to the story
DocumentaryTubeTRUE STORIES, ON SCREEN.
  1. DocumentaryTube
  2. The Screening Room
  3. Blog

Blog

What to Do if Your Blood Sugar Drops During Diabetes Treatment

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If the person is awake, alert and able to swallow, treat the low immediately with 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, and check glucose again. Repeat once if it is still below 70 mg/dL, unless the person’s individualized diabetes plan says otherwise. If the person is confused, having a seizure, unconscious, unable to swallow safely or unable to treat themselves, do not give anything by mouth: use prescribed glucagon if a trained helper has it, place the person in the recovery position and call emergency services.

Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) can progress quickly, but a clear response plan prevents many episodes from becoming dangerous. The numbers are useful signals, not substitutes for judging the person’s condition. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes a reading below 70 mg/dL as low and below 55 mg/dL as severely low. A person can require emergency help because of confusion or loss of the ability to self-treat even when no meter reading is available.

First, decide whether the person can safely self-treat

Alert and able to swallow

Have the person stop driving or exercising, sit down and check glucose with their meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) when available. A meter check is especially useful when glucose is changing rapidly or when a current treatment number is needed. If the person is awake, can follow instructions and can swallow normally, use the 15-15 approach described by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and CDC.

Confused, unconscious, seizing or unable to swallow

These are signs of severe hypoglycemia and should be treated as an emergency. Do not put juice, soda, food, glucose tablets or gel in the person’s mouth. Someone who cannot protect their airway can choke or aspirate. Move dangerous objects away, place an unconscious person on their side in the recovery position, and get emergency help. If prescribed glucagon is present and the helper knows how to administer that formulation, give it according to its instructions while emergency assistance is arranged.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter | 4Pack Type C Female to A Male Cable Converter for Apple Duo 17 16 15 14 Plus,iWatch Watch 12 11 10,iPad 9 8 Air,Airpods 5 4
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

The 15-15 treatment for an alert low

  1. Take 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate. Use a measured option whose label and the person’s care plan indicate approximately 15 grams. Do not rely on an unmeasured handful or a large serving.
  2. Wait 15 minutes. Stay with the person and avoid additional food during this interval unless their clinician-directed plan says otherwise.
  3. Check glucose again. If it remains below 70 mg/dL, take another 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate and repeat the 15-minute check.
  4. Follow the person’s individualized plan when it differs. Medication, pregnancy, age, kidney function, athletic training and other factors can change instructions. A generic article cannot safely replace the plan supplied by the diabetes care team.

The CDC states, “If your blood sugar is low, follow the 15-15 rule:” Its patient page was published May 15, 2024. The ADA also emphasizes prompt treatment and rechecking rather than waiting for symptoms to disappear on their own.

Choose carbohydrate that works quickly

Fast-acting carbohydrate is absorbed more predictably than a mixed meal. The following choices are examples supported in ADA and CDC patient guidance; the exact serving must be measured to match the intended carbohydrate amount.

Option How to use it Practical considerations
Glucose tablets Use the number of tablets that provides the amount specified on the label and in the person’s plan. Portable, shelf-stable and easy to portion. Keep them where a low might occur.
Glucose gel Measure the serving that supplies the planned carbohydrate amount. Useful when carrying a liquid is inconvenient; confirm that the person can swallow safely.
Fruit juice Drink 4 ounces, the portion used in ADA and CDC examples. Measure the amount rather than drinking directly from a large container.
Regular soda Drink 4 ounces of a sugar-sweetened soda. Use regular, not diet, soda; diet drinks do not provide the needed sugar.
Table sugar or honey Use a measured tablespoon when this is the option in the person’s plan. Measure before swallowing and use only when the person is alert and able to swallow.

Chocolate, pastries and other high-fat foods are not the best first treatment because fat can slow carbohydrate absorption. High-fiber foods can also act more slowly. If no preferred product is available, the ADA advises using available carbohydrate while following the person’s treatment plan rather than delaying treatment. Never force food or liquid into someone who is drowsy, unconscious or having trouble swallowing.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter | USB C Dongle with 90W Max Power Delivery, 3×5Gbps USB A Data Ports, for MacBook, Dell, and More (Charger Not Included)
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

When a low is a medical emergency

The ADA says, “Severe hypoglycemia should be considered an emergency.” Call emergency services or obtain urgent help when the person has any of the following:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Loss of consciousness or inability to wake normally
  • A seizure
  • Severe confusion, unusual behavior or inability to follow simple instructions
  • Extreme weakness or inability to stand safely
  • Inability to swallow or inability to treat the low independently
  • No available helper who can safely give the person’s prescribed rescue treatment

Do not wait for a particular meter value in these situations. The functional problem—whether the person can protect their airway and carry out treatment—is what makes the episode dangerous. Stay with the person, keep the airway clear, place an unconscious person in the recovery position and tell responders that diabetes and suspected hypoglycemia are involved. If glucagon is given, continue monitoring and follow emergency-dispatch instructions; a person who wakes up still needs medical assessment when the episode was severe or the cause is unclear.

Plan for glucagon before a severe low happens

People at risk of severe hypoglycemia should ask their clinician about a glucagon prescription and teach likely helpers how to use it. The ADA describes three forms. The right choice depends on the prescriber’s advice, the helper’s ability to use it, availability and expiration dates.

Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter | 85W Max PD, 2 USB 3.0 & 1 USBC Data Ports, SD/TF Card Reader, for Laptops/Mac and Other Type C Devices (Charger Not Included)
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Form What the guidance describes Planning points
Ready-to-use injection or autoinjector Premixed rescue medicine that does not require the helper to mix ingredients first. Check the device instructions, storage requirements and expiration; make sure helpers know where it is kept.
Nasal powder Glucagon delivered through the nose rather than by injection. Teach the helper the specific device steps and confirm it is available when needed.
Mixing kit A kit in which the helper combines components before giving the dose. Practice the preparation steps with a pharmacist or clinician; a stressed helper may need written instructions.

The ADA’s patient guidance favors ready-to-use options in general discussions because they simplify rescue for a helper, but that is not an individual prescription recommendation. Ask the diabetes care team which formulation fits the person’s treatment, risk and household.

What to do after glucose recovers

Once the reading has returned to the person’s target range and symptoms are improving, consider what happens next. If a meal is not due soon, ADA and CDC guidance advises a snack containing carbohydrate and protein to reduce the chance of another drop. Follow the person’s plan for timing and amount; do not automatically take extra medication to “cover” the rescue carbohydrate.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Continue to observe for returning symptoms, especially after exercise, alcohol use, a delayed meal or medicines that can prolong a low. If the person needed help from another individual, lost consciousness, had a seizure or required glucagon, contact the diabetes care team promptly even if they feel normal afterward. Severe episodes can signal that the treatment plan needs review.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray | Data transfer & Fast charging for MacBook, iPhone 17/16/15, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Apple Watch
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

Find the reason for repeated lows with the care team

Do not make a blanket dose reduction or stop a medicine based on a generic article. Recurrent episodes require a pattern review and a clinician-directed adjustment. Bring or share:

  • Meter or CGM readings, including the time of each low and whether it followed a rapid fall
  • Medication names, doses, timing and any missed, delayed or duplicated doses
  • Meals, snacks, appetite changes and episodes in which food was delayed or not finished
  • Physical activity, duration, intensity and whether the low occurred during activity or hours later
  • Alcohol intake, illness, vomiting, diarrhea or other changes that could alter eating or medication absorption
  • What treatment was taken, how much, how quickly symptoms improved and whether the low returned

NIDDK notes that some diabetes medicines slow digestion. For people taking those medicines, glucose tablets or gel may be needed to raise glucose quickly. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist whether that issue applies to the person’s medication; do not assume every diabetes medicine behaves the same way.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Keep treatment available wherever a low can occur

The ADA recommends carrying fast-acting carbohydrate because hypoglycemia can happen at any time. A practical setup includes a supply at home, in a work or school bag, and wherever exercise or travel occurs. Check supplies regularly for damage and expiration, and replace anything used.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display | 85W Max PD, 1 Powered USB-C 5Gbps & 2 Powered USB-A 3.0 5Gbps Data Ports, for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell and More (Black)
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
  • Tell family members, co-workers, teachers, coaches and regular travel companions how the person typically looks when glucose is low.
  • Show helpers where fast-acting carbohydrate and glucagon are stored.
  • Explain the difference between a person who can swallow and one who cannot; helpers should never put food or drink into an unconscious person’s mouth.
  • Keep a written emergency contact and the diabetes care team’s instructions with supplies when appropriate.
  • Before driving, confirm that the person’s diabetes plan addresses checking glucose and treating a low safely.

Numbers, symptoms and technology do not always match

Symptoms can include shakiness, sweating, hunger, dizziness, irritability, weakness, blurred vision or trouble concentrating, but not everyone feels a low. Repeated episodes can blunt warning symptoms. Conversely, a CGM value can lag behind blood glucose during a rapid rise or fall. When the reading does not fit the person’s condition, use the meter and the clinician’s instructions when available, while prioritizing safety. If the person cannot self-treat, act on the emergency signs rather than waiting for a device to display a lower number.

How common is severe hypoglycemia?

The ADA cites an estimate that up to 46% of people with type 1 diabetes and 21% of people with type 2 diabetes who use insulin experience at least one severe hypoglycemic event in a year. This is an ADA-published estimate, not a prediction of one individual’s risk; the underlying risk varies with treatment, health, access to food and monitoring, and the ability of helpers to respond.

Special populations and individualized instructions

Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with kidney, liver or digestive problems may need different thresholds, carbohydrate amounts or observation periods. Pediatric dosing and medication changes require direct guidance from the child’s clinician. People using insulin pumps, automated insulin-delivery systems or medicines that slow digestion should follow the specific instructions supplied with their treatment. When an individualized plan conflicts with a generic 15-15 example, contact the diabetes care team for clarification rather than guessing.

A concise response card

  1. Check glucose if possible and assess whether the person is alert and can swallow.
  2. If yes, give 15 grams of fast carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes and recheck; repeat if still below 70 mg/dL unless the care plan says otherwise.
  3. If no, give nothing by mouth. Use prescribed glucagon if a trained helper has it, place the person in the recovery position and call emergency services.
  4. After recovery, provide a carbohydrate-and-protein snack if a meal is not soon, according to the care plan.
  5. Record the episode and contact the diabetes care team for repeated, severe or unexplained lows.

This approach reflects patient guidance from the ADA, CDC, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the UK National Health Service. It is general information, not an individualized medication or dosing plan.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

diabetesglucagonglucosehealthhypoglycemialow blood sugar

More in Blog

Say something about this film

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.