Topic Overview

This information is for people who may help your child if your child is too weak or confused to treat low blood sugar. Make a copy for each of your child's caregivers.

• Make sure the child can swallow. Give the child ½ teaspoon of water. If the child can swallow the water without choking or coughing:
  • Give him or her 4 fl oz (118 mL) to 6 fl oz (177 mL) of liquid (juice or soda pop) from the list of quick-sugar foods.
  • Wait 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Check the child's blood sugar level using his or her blood sugar (glucose) meter, if available.
  • Offer the child more quick-sugar food if he or she is feeling better but still has some symptoms of low blood sugar.
  • Wait 10 to 15 minutes. If possible, check the blood sugar level again.
  • When the child's blood sugar returns to normal, offer the child a snack (such as cheese and crackers or half of a sandwich).
  • If the child becomes more sleepy or seems to have no energy, call 911 or other emergency services.
  • Stay with the child until his or her blood sugar level is 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher, or until emergency help comes.
• If the child is unconscious or unable to swallow:
  • Make sure the child's airway is not blocked.
  • Give the child a shot of glucagon if one is available. See the slideshow about how to give a glucagon injection.
  • After you give the glucagon shot, immediately call 911 for emergency care.
  • If emergency help has not arrived within 5 minutes and the child is unconscious, give another glucagon shot.
  • Stay with the child until emergency help comes.