Urgent situations
Diabetes issue: missed dose or low/high blood sugar
Diabetes problems can become urgent quickly. This page helps you recognize red flags and decide what to do right now.
Quick checklist
- If they are confused, very sleepy, having seizures, or you suspect very low blood sugar: call 911.
- If you have a meter, check blood sugar and follow the clinician’s plan.
- Don’t “double dose” medication unless a clinician instructed you.
- Call the prescribing clinician for same-day advice if numbers are out of range or you’re unsure.
Call now / go now
- Severe confusion, fainting, seizure, or inability to swallow safely: call 911.
- Persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or very high readings with illness: urgent evaluation.
If you suspect low blood sugar
- If they can swallow safely, give fast sugar (per your care plan): juice, glucose tabs, regular soda.
- Recheck as instructed and follow next steps in the plan.
- If they can’t safely swallow or don’t improve, call 911.
Do not do
- Don’t force food/fluids if choking risk is present.
- Don’t guess—use the meter and/or call the clinician.