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Serious Lows

Serious Low

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.
     


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