What to Do During a Diabetic Low Blood Sugar Emergency

Someone with diabetes who suddenly becomes confused, shaky, pale, or unusually irritable may be having a hypoglycemic episode, not a stroke or a mood swing. If they're conscious and can swallow, give them fast sugar — juice, regular soda, or glucose tablets — not diet drinks, and not food that takes time to digest.

Wait about fifteen minutes and check if they're improving; give more sugar if not. If they become confused enough to stop responding, lose consciousness, or can't swallow safely, don't put anything in their mouth — call emergency services immediately instead.