If someone with diabetes becomes confused, shaky, or sweaty, low blood sugar is a likely cause. If they can sit up and swallow, give them sugar right away: juice, regular soda, or glucose tablets. If they are not fully awake, give nothing by mouth and call 911.
The CDC defines low blood sugar as a level under 70 mg/dL. You do not need a meter reading to help, though. You act on what you see.
What causes low blood sugar?
In people with diabetes, blood sugar can drop after exercise, not eating enough, vomiting, illness, extreme heat, or too much diabetes medicine. Puberty can also affect it.
At a school, that might be a student who skipped lunch and then ran laps in PE. At church, it might be an older adult who took their medicine before a long service and has not eaten yet.
What are the signs of low blood sugar?
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Sometimes a seizure
Look for medical jewelry, such as a bracelet or necklace. It can tell you the person has diabetes.
What should you give someone with low blood sugar?
If they can sit up and swallow, help them sit and give sugar. Good options include:
- Glucose tablets
- 6 to 8 ounces of fruit juice
- 6 to 8 ounces of regular soda (not diet)
- A tablespoon of honey or table sugar
- 15 to 25 jelly beans or gummy candies
Diet soda will not help, because it has no sugar. A daycare or school kitchen with juice boxes on hand is already well stocked for this.
What if they are awake but refuse to eat?
Sometimes a person with low blood sugar is awake but will not eat. If they are awake but refusing food, mix sugar with water and put it under the tongue or inside the cheek.
When should you call 911 for low blood sugar?
Never force food or drink on someone who is not fully awake. They could choke.
- If they cannot sit up or swallow, help them sit or lie down and call 911.
- If they have a seizure, follow our seizure first aid steps.
- If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, start CPR and use an AED. See how to do CPR.
When you are not sure, call. That is always the right choice.
Low blood sugar is not the same as bad behavior
A child who suddenly will not listen, a teen who seems drunk, or an older adult who is short-tempered and confused may not be misbehaving at all. Low blood sugar can look like drunkenness or bad behavior, especially in teens.
That matters in schools and youth programs. If a student with diabetes starts acting out of character, check on their blood sugar before you send them to the office or treat it as a discipline problem. The same goes for an adult at church who seems disoriented. Ask, look for medical jewelry, and offer sugar if they can swallow.
What about glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and care plans?
Many children and adults with diabetes wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or an insulin pump. These devices can sound an alert when sugar is running low. If a child’s device alarms, take it seriously.
Staff who care for a child with diabetes should know that child’s care plan. It tells you what to do for that specific child. Read it before you need it.
For related topics, see fainting first aid and when to call 911.
This article is general education. It does not replace hands-on CPR and first aid training, where you practice these skills with an instructor.
How LP Health Directions can help
- CPR and First Aid classes in Phoenix and Tucson that cover diabetic emergencies, seizures, and more.
- On-site Group Training for daycares, schools, churches, and workplaces.
- First Aid Solutions to stock your site with first aid kits.
- Questions or ready to train? Book a class today.
Sources
- CDC, Treatment of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
- American Heart Association, 2025 Guidelines for CPR and ECC
- American Red Cross, Learn First Aid
Reviewed September 28, 2026. This article provides general education and does not replace first aid and CPR training, medical advice, or 911 guidance.