Part 3: Safety Measures & Support Network

What you'll learn

Implement essential daily safety measures for impaired awareness
Build an effective support network with CGM data sharing
Guide caregivers on recognizing and responding to your lows
Understand the timeline for rebuilding awareness

Essential Safety Measures

If you have hypoglycemia unawareness, these measures are non-negotiable:

Check Frequently

Before driving — EVERY time, no exceptions
Before exercise — and have carbs available
Before bed — and consider a bedtime snack
Whenever unsure — if in doubt, check

Always Carry Glucose

Keep fast-acting glucose in multiple locations:

On your person at all times
In your car (check for heat damage)
At your desk at work
On your nightstand
In your gym bag

Have Glucagon Ready

At least one unexpired kit accessible at all times
At home AND at work/school
Trained users nearby (at least 2 people)

Wear Medical ID

Bracelet, necklace, or card
Should state: Type 1 Diabetes, Insulin User
Include emergency contact number

Building Your Support Network

Involve Others

People close to you can be your safety net when you can't feel your own lows:

Teach family/friends to recognize YOUR specific low signs — your partner might notice you get unusually quiet, your coworker might notice you staring blankly
Share CGM data remotely — apps like Dexcom Follow or LibreLink allow designated followers to see your glucose in real time
and at least 2 people trained to use it

Questions about this content?

Alfred can go deeper on any point in this section.

Timeline	What to Expect
Week 1-2	Strict avoidance begins. You may still have occasional mild lows
Week 2-3	You might start feeling symptoms at higher levels (80-90 mg/dL) — this is progress!
Week 3-4	Awareness should be noticeably improving
Month 2-3	Most people have significant restoration of symptoms
Ongoing	Keep targets slightly higher than before IAH. Avoid returning to frequent lows

Warning

Rebuilding awareness is not a one-time fix. If you resume having frequent lows, unawareness will return. Maintaining slightly higher targets long-term is the price of staying safe.

Measure	Status
I check BG before driving every time	[ ]
I carry fast-acting glucose at all times	[ ]
I have unexpired glucagon accessible	[ ]
At least 2 people can use my glucagon	[ ]
I share CGM data with at least 1 person	[ ]
I wear medical identification	[ ]
My CGM alerts are set at 80-90 mg/dL	[ ]
I have predictive alerts enabled	[ ]
My employer/school knows about my T1D	[ ]
I have a written emergency action plan	[ ]

Safety Measures & Support Network

What you'll learn

Essential Safety Measures

Check Frequently

Always Carry Glucose

Have Glucagon Ready

Wear Medical ID

Building Your Support Network

Involve Others

Scenario: Sarah and James Build a Safety Plan

For Caregivers and Family

Rebuilding Awareness: The Timeline

Safety Measures Checklist

Key takeaways

Quick Check: Unawareness

Sources