Severe Lows and Glucagon

A severe low is one where the person can no longer help themselves — confused, unable to swallow safely, having a seizure, or unconscious. It is the situation your household must be prepared for, because you will not be able to manage it yourself.

The first rule is what not to do. Do not put food or drink into the mouth of someone who is unconscious or cannot swallow. It will not help and it can choke them.

What to do instead: turn them onto their side, get medical help immediately, and use glucagon if it is available and someone knows how.

Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose. It comes as an injection or a nasal spray, and it is what treats a severe low when the person cannot eat or drink. If you take insulin, ask your doctor whether you should keep glucagon at home — and if you have it, make sure family members have actually been shown how to use it, not just told where it is.

Two other things worth doing. Wear or carry medical identification saying you have diabetes and take insulin. And keep a written list of your medicines somewhere visible at home, so a relative or an emergency responder does not have to unlock your phone.

After any severe low, tell your doctor. Something in the regimen needs to change.