| Hypoglycemia threshold | Below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) |
| Severe threshold | Below 40 mg/dL |
| Fast-carb dose | 15 grams |
| Recheck interval | 15 minutes |
| Glucagon onset | 10β15 minutes |
Key Takeaways
- Hypoglycemia is blood glucose below 70 mg/dL and requires immediate action
- Mild cases: use the 15-15 Rule β 15g fast carbs, recheck in 15 minutes
- Severe cases with unconsciousness require glucagon injection or emergency services
- Always carry fast-acting glucose and wear medical ID
What Is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose drops below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). It is most common in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes using insulin or sulfonylureas. Without prompt treatment, it can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or death.
Symptom Severity Levels
Mild (BG 54β70 mg/dL)
- Shakiness, sweating, rapid heartbeat
- Hunger, anxiety, pallor
- Difficulty concentrating
Moderate (BG 40β54 mg/dL)
- Confusion, irritability, slurred speech
- Blurred vision, headache
- Weakness or fatigue
Severe (BG below 40 mg/dL)
- Seizures, loss of consciousness
- Inability to swallow β do NOT give food or drink
- Requires glucagon or IV dextrose immediately
The 15-15 Rule: Standard Treatment
For conscious patients with mild-to-moderate hypoglycemia:
- Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates
- Wait 15 minutes and recheck blood glucose
- If still below 70 mg/dL, repeat
- Once normalized, eat a small snack with protein
Fast-Acting Carbohydrate Options (15g each)
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Glucose tablets | 3β4 tablets |
| Regular soda | 4 oz (120 mL) |
| Fruit juice | 4 oz (120 mL) |
| Honey or sugar | 1 tablespoon |
MDS Diabetes stocks glucose tablets and fast-acting gel packs β ideal for your emergency kit. Browse options at mdsdiabetes.com.
Severe Hypoglycemia: Emergency Protocol
Glucagon Administration
If the person is unconscious or cannot swallow, use a glucagon emergency kit. Options include injectable glucagon, nasal glucagon (Baqsimi), or auto-injector devices. Position the person on their side to prevent choking and call 911 immediately.
When to Call 911
- Unconsciousness or seizure
- No glucagon available
- No improvement after glucagon within 15 minutes
- Unknown cause of unconsciousness
Prevention Strategies
- Check blood glucose before driving, exercise, and sleep
- Never skip meals after insulin doses
- Wear a medical alert bracelet
- Use a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) with low-glucose alerts
- Keep an emergency glucose kit at home, work, and in your car
Emergency Kit Checklist
- Glucose tablets or gel
- Glucagon kit (prescription required)
- Blood glucose meter and strips
- Medical ID bracelet
- Written emergency action plan
Build your complete emergency kit with products from MDS Diabetes at mdsdiabetes.com β including meters, CGM supplies, and glucose essentials.