Signs: shaking, sweating, pale skin, confusion, irritability, rapid heartbeat, headache, weakness, or acting 'drunk'. This is the most common diabetic emergency.
If conscious and able to swallow: give 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting sugar. Options: 4 glucose tablets, 4 oz orange juice, 4 oz regular soda (not diet), or 1 tablespoon of honey.
Have them sit quietly. After 15 minutes, if still symptomatic, give another dose of fast-acting sugar. Once improved, give a small snack with protein and complex carbohydrate.
Roll into recovery position on their side. Call 911 immediately. If a glucagon kit is available and you are trained to use it, administer it now.
If symptoms don't improve after two attempts, if unconscious, or if unsure what's happening — call 911.
Most allergic reactions are manageable and pass. Knowing these signs means you'll always know exactly what to do next.
Watching a seizure is frightening. But your job right now is simply to keep the person safe — not to stop it. You can do this.
You caught this — that's already the most important thing. Poison Control is available 24 hours and has guided thousands of families through exactly this.
Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.