Severe Hypoglycemia: Symptoms & Treatment
Diabetes eTraining Slide 13
If not treated promptly a mild hypoglycemic reaction can quickly progress to a severe state:
Behavior/personality changes
- Seizures, convulsions
- Extreme tiredness/fatigue
- Sudden crying
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Inability to swallow
- Dazed Appearance
- Unconsciousness/coma
- Jerking movements
Treatment of Severe Hypoglycemia
Severe hypoglycemia is rare, but can be life threatening, if not treated promptly:
- Follow Emergency Care Plan
- Place student on his or her side
- Lift chin to keep airway open
- Inject glucagon if provided for in the student’s Emergency care Plan
- Never attempt to give food or put anything in the student’s mouth
- Identify someone to call 911, and then call parent/guardian
- The student should respond to the glucagon in 10 to 20 minutes
- Remain with the student until help arrives
- When the student regains consciousness after the glucagon injection, they may feel nauseated or vomit.
Prevention of Severe Hypoglycemia
- Eat balanced meals and snacks
- Keep snacks on hand
- Check blood glucose regularly, especially during physical activity
- Administer insulin correctly
- Early recognition of mild symptoms