Recognizing a Low in Someone Else

This chapter is for everyone — caregivers, family, friends, teachers, coworkers — anyone who might need to help someone with T1D during a low blood sugar episode.

Early Signs

The person may seem "off" or not quite themselves:

• Pale, sweaty, or shaky appearance
• Sudden irritability or mood change
• Difficulty concentrating or zoning out
• Hunger or asking about food
• Seeming anxious or nervous without reason

More Severe Signs

• Confusion or disorientation
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination or clumsiness
• Unusual behavior (saying strange things, acting out of character)
• Arguing or becoming combative
• Drowsiness

Emergency Signs

These require immediate action:

• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure
• Inability to respond

What to Do: Conscious Person

If they can safely swallow, follow these steps:

1. Stay calm — your calm helps them stay calm
2. Offer fast-acting sugar:
   • 120 mL juice or regular soda
   • Glucose tablets or gel
   • Hard candy
3. Stay with them — don't leave them alone
4. Wait 15 minutes and recheck if possible
5. If still symptomatic, give more sugar
6. Once recovered, offer a snack with protein and carbs

Signs to Watch For: Quick Reference

Scenario: Claire Spots It First

Claire works in an open office with her colleague Marco, who has T1D. During a meeting, Claire notices Marco has stopped taking notes and is staring blankly at his screen. His face looks unusually pale.

Claire quietly asks: "Marco, how are you feeling?" Marco snaps: "I'm fine, stop bothering me." Claire recognizes this — Marco told her during onboarding that irritability is his first low sign.

She calmly places a juice box on his desk and says: "Hey, I grabbed you a juice. Just have a sip for me?" Marco takes it reluctantly. Fifteen minutes later, he's back to normal and thanks her.

Key lesson: Claire knew Marco's personal low signs because he'd shared them in advance. She didn't argue — she stayed calm and made it easy for him to accept help.