First Aid & Emergencies

Insulin Reaction Treatment

• A severe reaction
• A seizure
• A loss of consciousness

For a severe reaction:

• While waiting for emergency help, inject glucagon if you are trained to do so.

For moderate to mild symptoms:

1. Raise Blood Sugar

Give the person a high-sugar food such as:

• 3 to 4 glucose tablets
• 1/3 to 1/2 tube of glucose in gel form
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup apple juice
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup raisins
• 2 large or 6 small sugar cubes in water
• 4 oz. to 6 oz. of regular soda, not diet
• 1 tablespoon of molasses, honey, or corn syrup
• 5 hard candies

2. Repeat Treatment, if Necessary

• After 15 minutes, test blood sugar, if possible.
• If symptoms persist or blood sugar reading is below 70 mg/dL, give another high-sugar food.
• If the person's next meal is more than 30 minutes away, give the person a small snack, such as 1/2 sandwich, 1 oz. cheese with 4 to 6 crackers, or 1 tablespoon peanut butter with 4 to 6 crackers.

3. When to Get Medical Help Immediately

• If the person still doesn't feel better, go to a hospital emergency room or call 911.

4. Follow Up

• If you go to the hospital, doctors may give sugar intravenously.