If You Are Experiencing a Severe Medical Emergency, Please Call 911 Immediately.

Managing diabetes means always being prepared for the unexpected. Use the quick-reference guides below to navigate sudden changes safely:

• Severe Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Keep fast-acting carbohydrates nearby (glucose tablets, juice, or candy). Ensure family, friends, or coworkers know how and when to use a emergency glucagon kit if necessary.

• Severe Hyperglycemia & DKA Signs (High Blood Sugar): Monitor for high blood sugars that won't come down, nausea, vomiting, or ketones in your urine. Stay hydrated with water and contact your healthcare team immediately.

• Your Backup Plan: Always carry a portable emergency kit containing extra test strips, insulin, syringes/ pen needles, batteries for your pump, and a physical list of your current medications and emergency doctor contacts.

• Family / Friends: Make sure your family or friends know how or have been told how they can help you if you can’t hel[p yourself.  

•  Blood Glucose Meter:  Know how to load the strip into the meter, how to prick a finger for a blood drop, and how what to do when you see the blood sugar number (Low is below 70, high is above 200) 

• Insulin:  Insulin drops blood sugar.   Candy or juices or anything with sugar raises blood sugars.   DO NOT give insulin if a person is LOW, if they are HIGH, you should be mindful of giving a bit of insulin and watching as their sugars come down.   

• Knowledge: If you don’t know how to help or are confused, DON’T ACT, call 911. If the diabetic can tell you what they need, listen and respond carefully, if they are not conscious, call for emergency services.