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How to Treat a Low
Under 70 mg/dL, or symptoms (shaky, sweaty, confused)? Do this now. Read the details later.
Give 15g of fast-acting carbs
Four glucose tabs, a juice box, or half a cup of regular (not diet) soda. No chocolate, no protein — they act too slowly.Wait 15 minutes, then re-check
Set a timer. Resist the urge to keep feeding the low — stacking carbs causes the rebound high.Still under 70? Repeat step 1
Another 15g, another 15 minutes. This is the 15/15 rule.Back in range? Follow with a real snack
Something with protein — cheese and crackers, half a sandwich — if the next meal is more than an hour away.
Severe low (unconscious or can’t swallow)
Do not give food or drink. Use glucagon (nasal or injection kit) and call 911. Tell every caregiver where the glucagon lives.
The low-treatment kit (keep one in every bag)
This is educational information from one T1D family, not medical advice. Your care team sets your doses, thresholds and timings — follow their plan over anything here.