Mild hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Students with diabetes may experience these episodes in a school environment. Understanding and preparing for mild hypoglycemia is important for school staff to ensure student well-being and safety. Early recognition and appropriate action can prevent serious complications.
Recognizing the Indicators
Changes in a student’s behavior or physical state can indicate mild hypoglycemia. Students might become irritable, anxious, or confused. They may also have difficulty concentrating, appear restless, or show unusual behavior.
Physical symptoms often accompany these changes. Look for shakiness, sweating, and pale skin. A student might also complain of dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, headache, or extreme hunger. Verbal cues, such as expressing “I don’t feel well” or blurry vision, may also be present.
Immediate Steps to Take
When mild hypoglycemia is suspected, prompt intervention is necessary. Administer a fast-acting carbohydrate to quickly raise blood sugar levels. This includes glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular soda.
A typical serving is 15 grams of carbohydrates, such as 4 ounces (half a cup) of juice or regular soda, 3 to 4 glucose tablets, or 4 to 6 small hard candies. It is important to stay with the student while they consume the carbohydrate to ensure they do so safely. Do not leave a student unattended if you suspect low blood sugar, and treat the low blood sugar where it occurs, as walking may lower blood sugar further.
Post-Intervention Monitoring and Communication
After the student consumes the carbohydrate, monitor their response. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before re-evaluating symptoms. If symptoms persist or a blood sugar check (if available) still shows a low reading (below 70 mg/dL), repeat another 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate.
Once the student’s blood sugar returns to normal and symptoms resolve, communication with relevant parties is necessary. Inform parents or guardians and the school nurse or designated health personnel about the incident. Document the event, including time, symptoms observed, intervention provided, and the student’s response, for record-keeping.
Understanding When to Escalate
While mild hypoglycemia is often managed with simple carbohydrates, a more serious episode can occur. Signs of a severe low blood sugar event include confusion, slurred speech, or clumsiness. A student might also experience seizures, lose consciousness, or be unable to swallow.
In these situations, immediate emergency medical attention is required. If a student is unconscious, having a seizure, or unable to swallow, do not give them food or drink by mouth. Instead, call 911 or emergency services. Involve school administration or advanced medical personnel to ensure coordinated action.