Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
Treating Low Blood Sugar
Treating Low Blood Sugar
Overview
Follow these steps when your blood sugar level is below your target range (usually below 70 mg/dL). Share treatment instructions with your partner, coworkers, and friends. They can help if you are too weak or confused to treat your low blood sugar.
Information for family, friends, and others
If you have low blood sugar, share this with others. If your child has diabetes, give this to teachers, coaches, and other school staff.
While many adults use 15 grams of carbohydrate, children usually need less. Check with your doctor or diabetes educator for the amount that is right for your child before giving this handout to family and friends.
Use the following information to help someone who is too weak or confused to treat their low blood sugar. If the person takes medicine that can cause low blood sugar, stay with the person for a few hours after their blood sugar level has returned to the target range.
- Make sure the person can swallow.
- If the person is lying down, lift their head so it will be easier for them to swallow.
- Give the person 0.5 tsp (2.5 mL) of water to swallow.
- If the person can swallow the water without choking or coughing:
- Give the person about 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as 4 fl oz (118 mL) to 6 fl oz (177 mL) of fruit juice or sweetened (not sugar-free) soda pop.
- Wait about 15 minutes.
- If a blood sugar meter is available, check the person's blood sugar level.
- Give the person another 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate if they are feeling better but still have some symptoms of low blood sugar. These include sweating, trembling, and confusion.
- Wait about 15 minutes. If you can, check the blood sugar level again.
- If the person becomes more sleepy or sluggish, call 911 or other emergency services.
- Stay with the person until their blood sugar level is 70 mg/dL or higher or until emergency help comes.
- If the person chokes or coughs on the water, or if the person is unconscious:
- Do not try to give the person foods or liquids. Those things could be inhaled. This is dangerous.
- Turn the person on their side, and make sure their airway is not blocked.
- Prepare the glucagon and give it as directed (if the person has a glucagon kit). It may be given as a shot or nasal spray.
- After you give the glucagon, immediately call 911 for emergency care.
- If emergency help has not arrived within 15 minutes and the person is still unconscious, give another dose of glucagon.
- Stay with the person until emergency help comes.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.
Related Links
Gestational Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar
Gestational Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) in People Without Diabetes
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>