SAFETY FIRST · DETAILS SECOND
If someone is unconscious, having a seizure, struggling to breathe or deteriorating rapidly, do not spend time reading a website—seek the nearest emergency care.
Seek urgent assessment if high glucose comes with persistent vomiting, inability to drink, deep or difficult breathing, marked drowsiness, confusion or ketones—especially with type 1 diabetes or pregnancy.
Important: Do not double a medicine or start exercise from an internet instruction.If glucose is below 70 mg/dL and the person is awake and can swallow safely, take 15 g fast-acting glucose, wait 15 minutes and check again. Repeat if it remains low.
Important: Do not use chocolate or a high-fat food as the preferred first treatment; absorption can be slower.Unconsciousness, seizure, severe confusion or inability to swallow is an emergency. Do not give food or drink to someone who cannot swallow safely.
Important: Use the emergency plan and glucagon instructions previously provided by the treating team, if available.An open wound, spreading redness, swelling, pus, fever, blackening skin or a warm red swollen foot needs prompt assessment. Reduced sensation can hide severity.
Important: Keep pressure off the area and do not use acids, blades or home corn-removal treatments.Persistent high glucose, vomiting, ketones, reduced fetal movement, bleeding, severe headache or acute illness needs urgent maternity or medical advice.
Important: Pregnancy targets and medicine safety differ from usual diabetes care.For stable readings, report review and long-term planning, use the question-based guides.
Dr. Pratyush Kumar · DNB Family Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital · DFID Diabetes Fellowship, CMC Vellore
Medically reviewed October 2026 · General education, not an individual prescription.