Living with Diabetes
Serious Lows
Hypoglycemia is a risk that comes with using insulin and can't always be prevented. Be sure to talk with your D-team about what to do in a serious low BG emergency.
The key is to be prepared for both mild and severe lows.
Make a plan
Sit down and plan what everyone in the family can do during a low BG emergency. Encourage your child with diabetes to take the lead on this discussion. Here are some questions to discuss.
- What are the signs of a low BG?
- What are fast-acting sugars and where are they kept?
- Who needs to learn how to administer glucagon?
- Where is the glucagon kit? Is it somewhere anyone can get to?
- In an emergency, who will administer glucagon, who will call 911?
- What's the back-up plan in case Mom or Dad is not home?
Practice the plan
Do a practice run (like a fire drill) of what to do during a low BG emergency.
- Practice how to administer glucagon with a toy syringe.
- Time how fast a family member can get the glucagon or fast-acting sugar to you for your child with diabetes.
- Life is always changing so update the plan every six months to make sure it still works for you and your family. Don't forget to do a practice run with the updated plan!
Dos and Don'ts During a Severe Low BG Emergency
- DO call 911.
- DO give glucagon, as directed by the D-team.
- Do NOT inject insulin.
- Do NOT give food, fluids or put anything in the mouth that your child could choke on.
