A Guide to Understanding Severe Hypoglycemia and Emergency Care

17 Sep 2025 By Nadine A. Elhage, D.O.

A Guide to Understanding Severe Hypoglycemia and Emergency Care

Severe hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a critical and potentially life-threatening condition that primarily affects individuals with diabetes, especially those who use insulin or certain oral medications. It occurs when blood glucose levels drop to a point where the brain does not receive enough energy to function correctly, leading to a range of symptoms that can escalate quickly. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of severe hypoglycemia, focusing on its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, emergency care, prevention strategies, and the importance of education and awareness.

What is Severe Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). Severe hypoglycemia occurs when a person's blood glucose level drops so low that they become mentally or physically incapacitated and require assistance from another person to recover. This may involve the administration of glucagon or intravenous glucose by emergency medical personnel or a trained caregiver. Unlike mild to moderate hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia can result in loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and in rare cases, even death if left untreated. The Diabetic Diet Blueprint Foods To Master Your Glucose Levels

Why is it Important to Understand Severe Hypoglycemia?

Understanding severe hypoglycemia is crucial for several reasons:

Preventing Life-Threatening Situations: Recognizing the signs and symptoms early can help prevent severe episodes from escalating.
Empowering Diabetics and Caregivers: Knowledge empowers individuals with diabetes and their caregivers to manage the condition effectively.
Reducing Hospitalizations: Effective management can reduce the risk of severe episodes requiring emergency medical care and hospitalization.
Improving Quality of Life: By understanding and managing hypoglycemia, individuals can lead more active and fulfilling lives.

| Aspect | Importance | | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Early Recognition | Enables timely intervention, preventing escalation. | | Proper Treatment | Ensures quick recovery and minimizes potential harm. | | Education & Awareness | Empowers individuals and caregivers, fostering confidence in managing diabetes effectively. | | Preventive Strategies | Reduces the frequency and severity of hypoglycemic episodes. |

Causes and Risk Factors of Severe Hypoglycemia

Understanding the causes and risk factors of severe hypoglycemia is essential for proactive management and prevention. Here are the primary factors that contribute to this condition: Simple Steps To Achieve A Normal Blood Sugar Range Daily

1. Insulin or Medication Overdose

Insulin Therapy: People with type 1 diabetes and many with type 2 diabetes rely on insulin to manage their blood glucose levels. Administering too much insulin can cause blood glucose to drop precipitously. This can occur due to:

Incorrect Dosage: Errors in calculating or measuring the insulin dose.
Mismatched Timing: Taking insulin at the wrong time, such as too long before a meal.
Overlapping Effects: Insulin "stacking" by injecting multiple doses too close together.

Oral Medications: Certain oral diabetes medications, particularly sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glyburide), stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. If the dosage is too high or not adequately balanced with food intake, hypoglycemia can result.

2. Missed or Delayed Meals

Inadequate Food Intake: Skipping meals or not consuming enough carbohydrates to match insulin or medication levels is a common cause of hypoglycemia. This is particularly risky when individuals are active or have irregular eating schedules.

Delayed Meals: Eating meals significantly later than usual can also cause blood glucose levels to drop, especially if medication or insulin has already been taken.

3. Increased Physical Activity

Exercise and Energy Demand: Physical activity increases the body's demand for glucose. If insulin or medication dosages are not adjusted accordingly, or if additional carbohydrates are not consumed, hypoglycemia can occur during or after exercise.

Delayed Effects: The effects of exercise on blood glucose can persist for several hours, sometimes even overnight, leading to delayed hypoglycemia.

4. Alcohol Consumption

Impact on Liver Function: Alcohol impairs the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream. When combined with insulin or oral diabetes medications, alcohol can significantly increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Disrupted Awareness: Alcohol can also mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it harder to recognize and treat the condition in its early stages.

5. Kidney and Liver Problems

Impaired Glucose Regulation: The kidneys and liver play crucial roles in regulating blood glucose levels. Kidney disease can prolong the effects of insulin and other medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Similarly, liver disease can impair glucose production and storage, contributing to lower blood glucose levels.

6. Other Medical Conditions

Hormone Deficiencies: Conditions that affect hormone production, such as adrenal insufficiency or pituitary disorders, can impact blood glucose regulation and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) can make it difficult to predict how food intake will affect blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

7. Certain Medications

Non-Diabetes Medications: Some medications not typically used to treat diabetes can also cause hypoglycemia. Examples include quinine (used to treat malaria), pentamidine (used to treat certain infections), and salicylates (such as aspirin) in high doses.

8. Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia Unawareness: Some people with diabetes develop hypoglycemia unawareness, where they no longer experience the early warning signs of low blood glucose. This can occur after repeated episodes of hypoglycemia, making it harder to detect and treat before it becomes severe.

Factors Contributing to Hypoglycemia Unawareness:

Frequent episodes of hypoglycemia
Tight glucose control targets
Use of certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers)
Autonomic neuropathy

Examples and Data

Here's a table summarizing some of the risk factors and their potential impact:

| Risk Factor | Potential Impact | Example Scenario | | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Insulin Overdose | Rapid drop in blood glucose | Accidentally injecting twice the prescribed dose of insulin before a meal. | | Missed Meal | Blood glucose drops below target range | Skipping lunch due to a busy schedule without adjusting insulin dosage. | | Increased Physical Activity | Depleted glucose stores, leading to hypoglycemia during or after exercise | Running a marathon without adequate carbohydrate loading or adjustments to insulin dosage. | | Alcohol Consumption | Impaired liver function and masked hypoglycemia symptoms | Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach while taking insulin, leading to delayed recognition and treatment of low blood glucose. | | Kidney or Liver Problems | Prolonged medication effects and impaired glucose regulation | Individuals with chronic kidney disease experiencing hypoglycemia due to the prolonged action of insulin. | | Hypoglycemia Unawareness | Lack of early warning signs, leading to delayed treatment and severe hypoglycemia | A person with diabetes no longer feels the early symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness or sweating, until they lose consciousness. |

Understanding these causes and risk factors is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies and ensuring prompt and effective emergency care when severe hypoglycemia occurs.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, particularly severe hypoglycemia, is crucial for timely intervention. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but generally follow a progression.

Early Symptoms of Hypoglycemia (Mild to Moderate)

These are warning signs that blood sugar is dropping and, if addressed promptly, can prevent a severe episode:

Shakiness or Trembling: A common early sign.
Sweating: Often accompanied by a feeling of coldness.
Rapid Heartbeat: Palpitations or a racing pulse.
Hunger: An intense feeling of needing to eat.
Anxiety or Irritability: Feeling nervous, agitated, or easily upset.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A sensation of being unsteady or faint.
Blurred Vision: Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly.
Headache: A dull or throbbing pain in the head.
Weakness or Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy.
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing or thinking clearly.
Tingling or Numbness: Often in the lips, tongue, or fingers.

Severe Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

These symptoms indicate that blood glucose has dropped to a critically low level, and immediate intervention is required:

Confusion or Disorientation: Difficulty thinking clearly, understanding surroundings, or following instructions.
Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking clearly or forming coherent sentences.
Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle spasms or convulsions.
Loss of Consciousness: Unresponsiveness or fainting.
Coma: A prolonged state of unconsciousness from which the person cannot be awakened.
Behavioral Changes: Acting strangely, aggressively, or irrationally.
Incoordination: Difficulty walking, maintaining balance, or performing simple tasks.

Examples of Symptom Progression

Here are some real-life examples to illustrate how hypoglycemia symptoms can progress:

Early Stage: A person with diabetes starts to feel shaky and sweaty during a meeting. They check their blood sugar and find it's 65 mg/dL. They quickly eat a snack containing 15 grams of carbohydrates (like glucose tablets) to raise their blood sugar.
Progression to Severe: A person skips lunch due to a busy day. Later, they become increasingly irritable and confused, and their speech becomes slurred. They are unable to test their blood sugar or treat themselves and eventually lose consciousness.
Severe Stage: Someone exercising intensely without proper carbohydrate intake develops rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, and dizziness. They ignore these symptoms and continue exercising until they collapse and have a seizure.

Factors Affecting Symptom Presentation

Duration of Diabetes: Over time, some individuals may develop hypoglycemia unawareness, where they no longer experience the early warning signs.
Frequency of Hypoglycemic Episodes: Frequent episodes can desensitize the body to low blood sugar, making symptoms less noticeable.
Age: Older adults and young children may have difficulty recognizing or communicating their symptoms.
Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, can mask some of the early symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., rapid heartbeat).

Summary Table: Signs and Symptoms

| Stage | Symptoms | Action | | --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Mild to Moderate | Shakiness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, hunger, dizziness, headache, blurred vision | Check blood sugar, eat a quick-acting carbohydrate (15-20 grams), recheck blood sugar in 15 minutes. | | Severe | Confusion, slurred speech, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, behavioral changes | Administer glucagon, call emergency services, provide supportive care until help arrives. |

Recognizing these signs and symptoms and taking swift action can prevent severe hypoglycemia and its potentially life-threatening consequences.

Emergency Care for Severe Hypoglycemia

When someone experiences severe hypoglycemia, prompt and appropriate action is crucial to prevent serious complications. Here’s a detailed guide to emergency care procedures:

1. Assessment

Check Responsiveness: Gently attempt to wake the person. If they are unconscious or unable to respond, proceed immediately to the next steps.
Look for Medical Identification: Check for a medical ID bracelet, necklace, or card that indicates the person has diabetes. This can provide critical information for first responders.
Note the Symptoms: Observe the person's symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, or unusual behavior. This information can be valuable for medical professionals.

2. Immediate Actions

If the person is unconscious or unable to swallow:

Administer Glucagon:
- What is Glucagon? Glucagon is a hormone that stimulates the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels. It is available as an injectable medication or a nasal spray.
- How to Administer Glucagon Injection:
  1. Locate the glucagon emergency kit.
  2. Follow the instructions provided with the kit, which typically involve mixing a powder with a liquid and then injecting the solution.
  3. Inject the glucagon into the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen. It can be injected through clothing if necessary.
- How to Administer Nasal Glucagon:
  1. Remove the device from its packaging.
  2. Insert the tip of the device into one nostril.
  3. Press the plunger to administer the dose.
- Important Notes:
  - Glucagon may cause nausea or vomiting. Turn the person on their side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs.
  - Glucagon typically takes 10-15 minutes to raise blood sugar levels. If the person does not respond within this time, follow emergency protocols.
Call Emergency Services (911): Regardless of whether glucagon is administered, call emergency services immediately. Provide them with the person's symptoms, medical history (if known), and the actions taken.
Do NOT Give Food or Drink: Do not attempt to give the person anything by mouth if they are unconscious, as this could cause choking.
Positioning: If the person is breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side with their head tilted back) to keep their airway open.

If the person is conscious and able to swallow:

Check Blood Glucose (if possible): If a blood glucose meter is available, check the person’s blood sugar level to confirm hypoglycemia.
Give Fast-Acting Carbohydrates: Provide a source of fast-acting carbohydrates to raise blood sugar levels quickly. Examples include:
- Glucose tablets (15-20 grams)
- Fruit juice (4 ounces)
- Regular (non-diet) soda (4 ounces)
- Honey or syrup (1 tablespoon)
Recheck Blood Glucose: After 15 minutes, recheck the person’s blood glucose level. If it is still below 70 mg/dL, give another dose of fast-acting carbohydrates.
Follow-Up: Once the blood glucose level has risen above 70 mg/dL and the person is feeling better, give them a snack containing both carbohydrates and protein (e.g., crackers with peanut butter, cheese and crackers) to help stabilize their blood sugar.
Monitor: Continue to monitor the person for the next several hours to ensure that their blood glucose level remains stable.

3. Post-Emergency Care

Medical Evaluation: Even if the person recovers after receiving glucagon or fast-acting carbohydrates, they should still be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. This is to identify any underlying causes of the severe hypoglycemia and to adjust their diabetes management plan accordingly.
Review Medication and Meal Plans: Work with the person's healthcare team to review their insulin or medication dosages, meal plans, and exercise routine to prevent future episodes of hypoglycemia.
Education: Provide the person and their caregivers with additional education on hypoglycemia, including how to recognize the symptoms, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.
Consider a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): A CGM can help the person monitor their blood glucose levels in real-time and receive alerts when their blood sugar is dropping, allowing them to take action before hypoglycemia becomes severe.

Table: Emergency Care Steps

| Condition | Action | Rationale | | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Unconscious or Unable to Swallow | Administer glucagon, call emergency services, do NOT give food or drink, recovery position | Glucagon raises blood sugar, emergency services provide advanced care, prevent choking, airway | | Conscious and Able to Swallow | Check blood glucose, give fast-acting carbohydrates, recheck blood glucose, give snack | Confirm hypoglycemia, raise blood sugar quickly, stabilize blood sugar levels |

By following these emergency care steps, you can provide critical support to someone experiencing severe hypoglycemia and potentially save their life. It’s also essential to prioritize education and preparation to effectively manage such situations.

Prevention Strategies for Hypoglycemia

Preventing severe hypoglycemia is a primary goal for individuals with diabetes and their healthcare providers. Implementing proactive strategies can significantly reduce the risk of these dangerous episodes.

1. Consistent Meal Timing and Composition

Regular Meal Schedules: Eating meals and snacks at consistent times each day helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Avoid skipping meals, as this can lead to significant drops in blood sugar, especially for those taking insulin or sulfonylureas.

Balanced Meals: Ensure meals include a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbohydrates provide the primary source of glucose, while proteins and fats help slow down glucose absorption, preventing rapid spikes and subsequent drops.

Example:

Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and nuts (carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats)
Lunch: Turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread with a side of vegetables (complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber)
Dinner: Grilled chicken with quinoa and steamed broccoli (protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber)

2. Medication Management

Accurate Dosing: Work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate insulin or medication dosages. Regularly review and adjust dosages as needed, based on blood glucose monitoring and lifestyle changes.

Timing of Medications: Understand the timing of insulin and other medications in relation to meals and activities. Take medications as prescribed and avoid taking extra doses.

Awareness of Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions between diabetes medications and other drugs, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Discuss any new medications with your healthcare provider.

3. Blood Glucose Monitoring

Regular Monitoring: Regularly check blood glucose levels, especially before meals, before and after exercise, and before bedtime. Use a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track trends and identify potential problems.

Understanding Readings: Know your target blood glucose range and what to do if your levels are too high or too low. Keep a log of your blood glucose readings and share them with your healthcare provider.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): A CGM can provide real-time blood glucose readings and alert you to trends and patterns. CGMs can be particularly helpful for preventing hypoglycemia, as they can alert you when your blood sugar is dropping rapidly or is approaching a low level.

4. Exercise Planning

Plan Ahead: Before exercising, check your blood glucose level and have a snack containing carbohydrates if it is below your target range.

Adjust Insulin or Medication: Adjust your insulin or medication dosage as needed, based on the intensity and duration of your exercise. You may need to reduce your insulin dose or take additional carbohydrates during or after exercise.

Monitor During and After Exercise: Check your blood glucose level during and after exercise to ensure it stays within your target range. Be aware that the effects of exercise on blood glucose can last for several hours, so monitor your levels carefully, especially before bedtime.

5. Alcohol Consumption Management

Eat While Drinking: If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation and always eat something at the same time. Alcohol can lower blood glucose levels, so it's important to have food in your stomach.

Monitor Blood Glucose: Check your blood glucose level more frequently when drinking alcohol. Be aware that alcohol can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it harder to recognize and treat. The Best Foods To Eat To Avoid A Blood Sugar Spike

Avoid Drinking on an Empty Stomach: Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach, especially if you are taking insulin or sulfonylureas.

6. Sick Day Management

Continue Monitoring: During illness, continue to monitor your blood glucose levels frequently, even if you are not eating as much as usual.

Adjust Medications: Work with your healthcare provider to adjust your insulin or medication dosages as needed. You may need to temporarily increase your insulin dose if your blood glucose levels are high, or decrease it if they are low.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you are unsure how to manage your diabetes during illness, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

7. Hypoglycemia Awareness

Recognize Symptoms: Learn to recognize the early symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness, sweating, and dizziness.

Carry Identification: Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that indicates you have diabetes and any other relevant medical information.

Educate Family and Friends: Educate your family and friends about hypoglycemia and how to treat it in case of an emergency.

8. Regular Healthcare Check-Ups

Routine Visits: Attend regular appointments with your healthcare provider to review your diabetes management plan, discuss any concerns, and make any necessary adjustments to your medications or lifestyle.

Screening for Complications: Undergo regular screening for diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease and neuropathy, which can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Summary Table: Prevention Strategies

| Strategy | Key Actions | Rationale | | ------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Consistent Meal Timing | Eat meals and snacks at regular times, avoid skipping meals | Prevents significant drops in blood sugar by maintaining a steady supply of glucose. | | Medication Management | Accurate dosing, understand timing, awareness of interactions | Ensures medications are taken correctly and safely, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia due to overdose or interactions. | | Blood Glucose Monitoring | Regular monitoring, understand readings, consider CGM | Helps track trends and identify potential problems, allowing for proactive adjustments to prevent hypoglycemia. | | Exercise Planning | Plan ahead, adjust insulin or medication, monitor during and after exercise | Prevents hypoglycemia associated with increased physical activity by adjusting insulin or medication dosages and ensuring adequate fuel. | | Alcohol Consumption Management | Eat while drinking, monitor blood glucose, avoid drinking on an empty stomach | Mitigates the effects of alcohol on blood glucose levels by providing a source of glucose and closely monitoring levels. | | Sick Day Management | Continue monitoring, adjust medications, stay hydrated, consult healthcare provider | Manages diabetes effectively during illness by adjusting medications and monitoring blood glucose levels. | | Hypoglycemia Awareness | Recognize symptoms, carry identification, educate family and friends | Enables early detection and treatment of hypoglycemia, ensuring quick response in case of emergency. |

By incorporating these prevention strategies into daily life, individuals with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing severe hypoglycemia and maintain better overall health.

The Importance of Education and Awareness

Education and awareness are fundamental components in managing diabetes and preventing severe hypoglycemia. By equipping individuals with diabetes, their families, and the broader community with the necessary knowledge and resources, we can create a safer and more supportive environment.

1. Individual Education

Understanding Diabetes: Comprehensive education about diabetes, including its causes, management strategies, and potential complications, is crucial. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.

Medication Management: Individuals should be thoroughly educated about their medications, including how to take them correctly, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs or substances. They should also understand how to adjust their medication dosages based on blood glucose levels, activity, and illness.

Blood Glucose Monitoring: Training on how to properly use a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is essential. Individuals should understand how to interpret their readings, identify trends, and take appropriate action when their blood glucose levels are too high or too low.

Hypoglycemia Recognition and Treatment: Learning to recognize the early symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat it quickly and effectively is critical. This includes understanding the importance of carrying a source of fast-acting carbohydrates at all times and knowing when to administer glucagon.

2. Family and Caregiver Education

Support and Assistance: Family members and caregivers play a vital role in supporting individuals with diabetes. They should be educated about diabetes and its management, including how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia.

Emergency Preparedness: Caregivers should be trained on how to administer glucagon and when to call for emergency medical assistance. They should also know how to check blood glucose levels and provide appropriate food or drink if the person is conscious and able to swallow.

Creating a Supportive Environment: Families can create a supportive environment by encouraging healthy eating habits, physical activity, and regular blood glucose monitoring. They can also help reduce the stigma associated with diabetes and promote open communication about the condition.

3. Community Awareness

Public Education Campaigns: Community-based education campaigns can raise awareness about diabetes and its potential complications, including hypoglycemia. These campaigns can target specific populations, such as schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings.

Training for First Responders: Emergency medical personnel, police officers, and firefighters should receive training on how to recognize and treat severe hypoglycemia. This includes knowing how to administer glucagon and how to transport individuals to appropriate medical facilities.

School and Workplace Policies: Schools and workplaces should have policies in place to support students and employees with diabetes. This may include allowing students to check their blood glucose levels and administer insulin as needed, and providing employees with reasonable accommodations to manage their condition.

4. Resources and Tools

Educational Materials: Provide access to high-quality educational materials, such as brochures, websites, and videos, that cover various aspects of diabetes management.

Support Groups: Encourage participation in support groups, where individuals with diabetes can share experiences, learn from others, and receive emotional support.

Technology and Apps: Utilize technology and mobile apps to help individuals track their blood glucose levels, manage their medications, and receive personalized advice and support.

Examples and Success Stories

Community Health Programs: In underserved communities, health programs have been developed to provide comprehensive diabetes education. These programs have resulted in a significant reduction in hospitalizations related to severe hypoglycemia.
School Nurse Initiatives: School nurses trained to recognize and manage hypoglycemia have significantly improved the safety and well-being of students with diabetes, ensuring prompt treatment and preventing severe episodes.
Workplace Support: Companies that provide diabetes education and support to their employees have seen increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs, demonstrating the benefits of a supportive work environment.
Patient Empowerment Programs: Patient empowerment programs that focus on self-management skills have shown that individuals with diabetes are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans, resulting in better blood glucose control and a reduced risk of hypoglycemia.

Summary Table: Importance of Education and Awareness

| Area | Key Actions | Benefits | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Individual | Understand diabetes, medication, monitoring, hypoglycemia recognition | Empowered to make informed decisions, better medication adherence, improved glucose control, reduced hypoglycemia | | Family/Caregivers | Provide support, emergency preparedness, create a supportive environment | Effective support, prompt emergency response, encouragement of healthy habits, reduced stigma | | Community | Public education campaigns, training for first responders, school/workplace policies | Increased awareness, better emergency care, supportive environment for students and employees with diabetes | | Resources/Tools | Educational materials, support groups, technology and apps | Accessible information, peer support, enhanced tracking and management |

By prioritizing education and awareness, we can create a more informed and supportive environment for individuals with diabetes, reducing the risk of severe hypoglycemia and improving their overall quality of life.