Emergency Action Plan for Type 1 Diabetes
Know exactly what to do in high and low blood sugar emergencies. Print this guide and keep it accessible at all times.
Emergency Services: 911
For severe hypoglycemia or loss of consciousness
Endocrinologist: _______________
Write your doctor's number here
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Blood glucose below 70 mg/dL
Mild to Moderate:
- • Shakiness or trembling
- • Sweating
- • Hunger
- • Irritability or mood changes
- • Dizziness or lightheadedness
- • Rapid heartbeat
- • Pale skin
Severe (Call 911):
- • Confusion or disorientation
- • Difficulty speaking
- • Seizures
- • Loss of consciousness
- • Unable to eat or drink
- 1
Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbs:
- • 4 glucose tablets
- • 4 oz (½ cup) juice or regular soda
- • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- • 3-4 hard candies
- 2
Wait 15 minutes
Stay calm and rest during this time
- 3
Recheck blood sugar
If still below 70 mg/dL, repeat steps 1-2
- 4
Once above 70 mg/dL, eat a snack
Include protein and complex carbs (e.g., crackers with cheese)
If the person is unconscious, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely:
- 1. Call 911 immediately
- 2. Administer glucagon injection or nasal spray if available
- 3. Turn person on their side to prevent choking
- 4. Do NOT give food or drink by mouth
- 5. Stay with them until help arrives
High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
Blood glucose above 250 mg/dL
Common Symptoms:
- • Increased thirst
- • Frequent urination
- • Fatigue or weakness
- • Blurred vision
- • Headache
- • Difficulty concentrating
DKA Warning Signs (Call Doctor):
- • Nausea or vomiting
- • Stomach pain
- • Fruity-smelling breath
- • Rapid breathing
- • Confusion
- • Ketones in urine
- 1
Check for ketones
Use urine or blood ketone test strips if blood sugar is over 250 mg/dL
- 2
Give correction insulin
Follow your healthcare provider's correction factor
- 3
Drink water
Stay hydrated to help flush out excess glucose
- 4
Recheck in 1-2 hours
Monitor blood sugar and ketones until levels improve
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if:
- • Blood sugar stays above 300 mg/dL after correction
- • Moderate to large ketones are present
- • You have DKA symptoms (vomiting, stomach pain, confusion)
- • You're unsure what to do
Sick Day Management
Special considerations when illness strikes
- 1
Never stop insulin
You may need MORE insulin when sick, not less
- 2
Check blood sugar every 2-4 hours
More frequent monitoring is essential
- 3
Test for ketones if blood sugar is over 250 mg/dL
Illness increases ketone risk
- 4
Stay hydrated
Drink water or sugar-free fluids regularly
- 5
Eat if possible
Try easy-to-digest carbs like crackers, toast, or soup
- 6
Contact your healthcare team
Let them know you're sick and get guidance on insulin adjustments
Keep This Plan Accessible
Print this page and keep copies at home, school, work, and in your emergency kit. Share it with family members and caregivers.