For a diabetic emergency that is responsive, what should you do?

• A. Apply a cold compress
• B. Monitor and call EMS
• C. Give sugar by mouth (15-20 grams of sugar)
• D. Give insulin

Answer: (C)

When a diabetic person is responsive and appears to be having a hypoglycemic emergency, the priority is to raise their blood sugar quickly by giving fast-acting sugar. If they can swallow safely, give about 15–20 grams of sugar right away. This can be in the form of glucose tablets, fruit juice, regular soda, or a small amount of honey or sugar dissolved in water. After giving the sugar, reassess in about 10–15 minutes. If the person improves, offer a small snack to help stabilize their levels and arrange follow-up medical care as needed. If there’s no improvement, or if they become confused, sleepy, or lose consciousness, call EMS immediately and do not give anything by mouth.

Giving sugar addresses the low blood glucose directly, which is what’s driving the symptoms. A cold compress doesn’t treat hypoglycemia, and insulin would worsen it, so those options aren’t appropriate. Monitoring and contacting EMS are important steps, but the best immediate action is to provide fast-acting sugar to restore their glucose promptly.