Insulin Reaction Treatment

Self-Care at Home

To treat low blood glucose, follow the 2 steps below.

1. Bring glucose levels back to normal. This requires 10-15 grams (2-3 teaspoons) of sugar.



2. Keep levels normal with food.

People with diabetes who experience signs and symptoms of an insulin reaction should attempt to raise their blood sugar levels as quickly as possible. Sugar is not absorbed in the stomach so taking forms of sugar that will pass through rapidly and do not need to be digested first is necessary. Some acceptable forms of sugar include fruit juice, milk, 4 ounces of regular soda, glucose tablets, or table sugar with water. Some people with diabetes carry absorbable sugar wafers that contain glucose or dextrose. These are also to be used in an emergency. Sugar wafers dissolve and act quickly when chewed or placed in the cheek.

• Bystanders should not attempt to administer fluids by mouth to someone who is unconscious because this may cause the person to vomit and choke. Items, such as syrup, honey, and cake frosting, smeared inside the cheeks, will melt and be swallowed. This may wake the person enough for eating or drinking.



• Glucagon is an injectable hormone that can be carried by people with diabetes or their family members to use for an insulin reaction. If glucagon is available and a bystander is trained in its use, it may be injected for severe insulin reactions while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.



• Blood sugar levels should be checked with a home glucometer, if available. Recheck glucose levels in 15 minutes and repeat treatment if needed.

If an hour or more will pass before the next meal, a small snack should be eaten.