Diabetic emergency first aid — treating a hypo (low blood sugar)

Reviewed by the Medibc First Aid Team — last updated July 2026. This is general first aid information, not a substitute for an accredited first aid course or professional medical advice. In an emergency, call 000.

People with diabetes can experience an emergency if their blood glucose drops too low (hypoglycaemia, or a “hypo”) or climbs too high (hyperglycaemia). A hypo can come on quickly and needs fast treatment. According to Diabetes Australia, a hypo is treated with quick-acting carbohydrate, then re-checking after 15 minutes.

Signs of a hypo (low blood sugar)

Watch for shaking or trembling, sweating, paleness, hunger, dizziness, confusion, irritability or difficulty concentrating, weakness, and slurred speech. A severe hypo can lead to loss of consciousness or a seizure.

How to treat a hypo (conscious person)

  1. Give 15g of fast-acting carbohydrate — for example 6–7 jellybeans, 150ml of fruit juice, 100ml of regular (non-diet) soft drink, 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey, or glucose tablets.
  2. Wait 15 minutes, then re-check blood glucose if a meter is available.
  3. If still low (below 4 mmol/L) or symptoms continue, give another 15g of fast-acting carbohydrate and wait another 15 minutes.
  4. Once recovered, follow with longer-acting carbohydrate (a sandwich, fruit or the next meal) to stop the level dropping again.
If the person is unconscious or having a seizure: do not give anything by mouth. Call 000, place them on their side (recovery position) with a clear airway, and give a glucagon injection only if one is available and you are trained to use it.

What about high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)?

High blood sugar tends to develop more slowly, with excessive thirst, frequent urination, tiredness and blurred vision. If a person with diabetes is unwell, vomiting, drowsy or has breath that smells fruity, seek medical advice promptly — call 000 if they are seriously unwell.

Diabetic Emergency FAQs

How do you treat a hypo?

Give 15g of fast-acting carbohydrate (about 6–7 jellybeans, 150ml juice or 100ml regular soft drink), wait 15 minutes and re-check. Repeat if still low, then follow with longer-acting carbohydrate such as a sandwich or fruit.

What do you do if a diabetic person is unconscious?

Do not give anything by mouth. Call 000, place them on their side in the recovery position with a clear airway, and give glucagon only if it is available and you are trained. Stay with them until the ambulance arrives.

What is the 15/15 rule for low blood sugar?

Give 15g of fast-acting carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, then re-check. If blood glucose is still below 4 mmol/L or symptoms continue, repeat with another 15g.

What can you give someone having a hypo?

Quick-acting carbohydrate such as jellybeans, fruit juice, regular soft drink, glucose tablets, or sugar/honey — only if they are conscious and able to swallow safely.

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Source: Diabetes Australia — Hypo & Hyperglycaemia. In an emergency, call 000.

Published: July 03, 2026