What is the first treatment tried for hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia means blood sugar has fallen low enough to cause symptoms such as sweating, shaking, hunger, dizziness, irritability, blurred vision or difficulty concentrating. It is often related to diabetes medicine, missed meals, alcohol, increased activity or illness, but the cause should be checked when episodes repeat.

If the person is alert and can swallow, use a quickly absorbed sugary drink or glucose product according to their personal action plan. Once symptoms improve, a longer-lasting snack or meal may help prevent another drop, especially if the next meal is not soon.

Sit down, treat the episode promptly and avoid driving until fully recovered. Keep a suitable glucose source available if you have been advised that you are at risk. Do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy, unconscious or having a seizure; place them safely on their side and call emergency services.

Book a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) after repeated episodes or an episode without a clear explanation. A [Diabetes Education Programme](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/diabetes-education-programme/) can help with meal timing, activity, glucose checks and medicine safety. Read more about [Hypoglycaemia](/conditions/hypoglycaemia/).

Call emergency services if the person is unconscious, cannot swallow, has a seizure, remains confused after treatment, or does not improve promptly. Seek medical advice soon if episodes are frequent, happen during sleep, follow a medicine change, or occur in someone without diabetes.

What may be triggering my episodes? Should my medicine or meal plan change? How should I treat a low reading when I am away from home? When is a glucose test or emergency kit needed?