International Diabetes Center > Diabetes Self-care > Low Blood Glucose > Severely Low Blood Glucose

Severe low blood glucose

A low blood glucose level needs to be treated with some form of carbohydrate. If it is not treated, severe hypoglycemia may develop, sometimes called an insulin reaction.

Anytime you need someone else's help to treat a low blood glucose level, it is considered severe. Severe blood glucose lows can cause you to become confused, act strangely, have convulsions or even lose consciousness. You may refuse the food that people offer you, or you may be unable to eat or drink.

To treat a severe low, someone else needs to inject you with a substance called glucagon. You need to keep glucagon handy at home and anywhere you spend a lot of time. Your family and people close to you need to know how to use it properly. It is a safe medication that your health care provider will prescribe for you. He or she also can show you how to use it.

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