Blood Sugar Emergency Guide
Quick reference for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia episodes. Bookmark this page for fast access.
Medical disclaimer:This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider's personalized instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number (911 in the US) immediately.
LOW Blood Sugar
Below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
Recognize the Symptoms
The 15-15 Rule — Act Now
- 1Eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (see list below)
- 2Wait 15 minutes — sit down, stay calm
- 3Re-check your blood sugar
- 4If still below 70 mg/dL, repeat step 1
Foods That Raise Blood Sugar FAST
Each item below equals roughly 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrates.
- •3-4 glucose tablets
- •4 oz (1/2 cup) fruit juice
- •1 tablespoon honey
- •1 tablespoon sugar dissolved in water
- •5-6 hard candies (e.g., Life Savers)
- •4 oz (1/2 cup) regular soda (not diet)
- •1 tube of glucose gel
- •8 oz (1 cup) nonfat milk
Recovery — After You Stabilize
Once blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL and your next meal is more than 1 hour away, eat a snack with protein and complex carbs to prevent another drop.
- •Peanut butter on whole-grain crackers
- •Cheese and whole-grain crackers
- •A handful of nuts with a small apple
- •Half a sandwich with lean protein
- •Greek yogurt with berries
- •Hummus with vegetables and pita
Call 911 (Emergency Services) If:
- →The person is unconscious or cannot swallow
- →Blood sugar does not rise above 70 mg/dL after two rounds of the 15-15 rule
- →The person is having a seizure
- →Glucagon is needed and available — administer it, then call 911
- →You are alone and feel you may lose consciousness
HIGH Blood Sugar
Above 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L)
Recognize the Symptoms
Immediate Actions
- 1Drink water — hydrate steadily to help flush excess glucose
- 2Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor
- 3Test for ketones if you have urine strips or a blood ketone meter
- 4Do NOT exercise if ketones are present — exercise can make it worse
- 5Re-check blood sugar in 30-60 minutes
Foods to AVOID During High Episodes
- ×Sugary drinks (juice, soda, sweetened tea)
- ×White bread, white rice, refined grains
- ×Candy, cookies, pastries
- ×Dried fruit or fruit juice
- ×Sweetened cereals
- ×Honey, syrup, jam
- ×High-sugar sauces (ketchup, BBQ sauce)
- ×Alcohol
Calming Activities While Waiting
Stress hormones can raise blood sugar further. Try to stay calm while your body responds.
- •Slow deep breathing (4 counts in, 4 counts out)
- •Sit or lie down in a comfortable position
- •Listen to calm music or a guided meditation
- •Sip water at a steady pace
- •Light stretching (only if no ketones)
- •Call a friend or family member for support
Go to the Emergency Room If:
- →Blood sugar stays above 300 mg/dL after treatment
- →You have moderate or large ketones
- →You are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
- →You have difficulty breathing or fruity-smelling breath
- →You feel confused, extremely drowsy, or disoriented
- →You have chest pain or severe abdominal pain
Your Emergency Contacts
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