www.nutrition.va.gov 06/2018
Hypoglycemia “15-15”- Rule
Blood glucose (sugar) of less than 70 is considered too low!
Some symptoms of low blood glucose you can
expect are:
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Shakiness
Difficulty Moving
Seizure
Sweating
Confusion
Combative
Fast heart beat
Unusual Behavior
Coma
Hunger
Irritable
Blurred vision
Difficulty thinking
Anxiety
Headache
Tiredness
Causes of Low Blood Glucose
• Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication.
• Taking insulin or medication and not eating enough
carbohydrate at your meal or snack.
• Missing a meal or snack, or eating less than usual.
• More physical activity or exercise than usual.
• Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.
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How to Treat a Low Blood Glucose:
• Always keep a source of 15 grams of carbohydrate within
reach. It is important to have something with you. Keep
something in your pocket, your car and at your bedside.
• Sources of 15 grams of carbohydrate:
o 4 glucose tablets
o 3 pieces of hard candy
o 4 ounces (1/2 cup) fruit juice
o 1 tube of glucose gel
o 8 ounces (1 cup) milk
o 6 ounces of regular soda (1/2 can)
• If your blood sugar is between 50-70, take 15 grams of
carbohydrate; if your blood sugar is below 50 take 30
grams of carbohydrate.
• Wait 15 minutes then recheck your blood sugar. If it is
still below 70, take another 15 grams of carbohydrate.
• Wait another 15 minutes then recheck your blood sugar
again.
• Once your blood sugar is above 70, be sure to eat a meal or
snack within an hour to keep from dropping again.
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Remember:
• Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace (ask your diabetes
educator).
• Never take insulin or diabetes pills without eating.
• Never take your insulin or diabetes pills at home and then
drive to a restaurant. Instead, bring diabetes medication to
the restaurant to take when your food is served.
• Always carry a quick source of carbohydrate (sugar) with
you.
• Check your blood glucose before driving, especially if you do
not feel symptoms of low glucose. Never drive when your
blood sugar is low.
• Call your doctor or the Telephone Triage Line if you have
frequent unexplained low blood sugar readings (two or more
a week).
• If you are unable to swallow a quick source of sugar, call
911.
