Never send a child with suspected low blood sugar anywhere alone.

Hypoglycemia

(Low Blood Sugar)

Causes of Hypoglycemia

1. Too much insulin
   

2. Missed Food
   

3. Delayed Food
   

4. Too much or too intense exercise
   

5. Unscheduled exercise

Onset

Sudden

Symptoms

Mild

1. Hunger
   

2. Shakiness
   

3. Weakness
   

4. Paleness
   

5. Anxiety
   

6. Irritability
   

7. Dizziness 
   

8. Sweating
   

9. Drowsiness
   

10. Personality Change
    

11. Inability to concentrate

Moderate

1. Headache
   

2. Behavior Change
   

3. Poor Coordination
   

4. Blurry Vision
   

5. Weakness
   

6. Slurred Speech
   

7. Confusion 

Severe

1. Loss of consciousness
   

2. Seizure
   

3. Inability to swallow
   

Actions Needed

Notify School Nurse or Trained Diabetes Personnel. If possible, check blood sugar, per Diabetes Medical Management Plan. When in doubt, always TREAT FOR HYPOGLYCEMIA.

Adapted from National Diabetes Education Program, 2003

www.schoolnursenews.org

Severe

1. Don’t attempt to give anything by mouth
   

2. Position on side, if possible.
   

3. Contact school nurse or trained diabetes personnel.
   

4. Administer glucagon, as prescribed.
   

5. Call 911
   

6. Contact parent/guardian
   

Moderate

1. Someone assists
   

2. Give Student quick-sugar source per MILD guidelines.
   

3. Wait 10 to 15 min.
   

4. Recheck blood glucose
   

5. Repeat food if symptoms persist
   

6. Follow with a snack of carbohydrates
   

Mild

1. Student may/may not treat self
   

2. Provide quick-sugar source
   

        3-4 glucose tablets

        4 oz. juice

        6 oz. regular soda

        3 tsp. glucose gel

1. Wait 10 to 15 min.
   

2. Recheck blood glucose.
   

3. Repeat food if symptoms persist
   

4. Follow with snack of carbohydrate and protein (e.g., cheese and crackers)