Most patients with diabetes manage their condition well with diet and/or self-administered insulin. Sometimes sugar levels may drop and the patient needs urgent first aid. This condition is called hypoglycaemia.

Symptoms and signs – Not all may be present

• extreme tiredness and loss of concentration
• severe thirst
• dizziness and loss of coordination
• erratic or argumentative behaviour
• rapid loss of consciousness if not treated promptly
• persistent headache
• pale or sweaty skin
• can seem drunk

How you can help

1.    If the patient is unresponsive and breathing normally

• Support the patient on their side and call 111 for an ambulance.
• Give frequent reassurance during recovery because the patient may be confused until fully recovered.

2.    If conscious, give the patient some sugar

• If the patient is still fully conscious and able to swallow, give a sweetened drink, chocolate or glucose sweets to suck – an improvement usually occurs within minutes.
• When the patient is more alert, offer a more substantial carbohydrate meal of a sandwich or several sweet biscuits

3.    Obtain medical advice

• If the patient has improved with the intake of carbohydrate, medical advice is still necessary because a further deterioration may occur at any time. The patient should see a doctor.

If the patient does not improve after swallowing the sweet food or drink, or if further deterioration occurs and swallowing becomes difficult – call 111 for an ambulance.

See a doctor if you are concerned.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you are uncertain.

DO NOT try to give the patient a dose of insulin because this can be dangerous unless a medical assessment has been carried out and the patient’s blood sugar level tested.

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