Hypoglycemia — low blood sugar, most common in people who take insulin or other diabetes medications — shows up as shakiness, sweating, sudden hunger, pallor, irritability, confusion, clumsiness, or drowsiness that can be mistaken for intoxication. If the person is awake and able to swallow safely, give fast-acting sugar such as glucose tablets, juice, or regular soda, then recheck in about fifteen minutes and follow with a longer-lasting snack. Never give food or drink to someone who is drowsy, uncooperative, or unable to swallow. Call emergency services if the person is unresponsive, seizing, unable to swallow, or does not improve after sugar — and place an unresponsive breathing person in the recovery position while you wait.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause sweating, confusion, weakness, and irritability that may be mistaken for other conditions. This lesson covers recognizing the signs and, if the person is a…