What this is: a practical Australian guide to diabetic emergency first aid—how to recognise the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia (hypo) and hyperglycaemia, what first aid to give (including glucose options), and when to call 000 for an ambulance. Australian health authorities agree that a blood glucose level (BGL) < 4.0 mmol/L is hypoglycaemia and should be treated promptly with ~15 g fast-acting carbohydrate, followed by a longer-acting snack— call 000 immediately if the person is unconscious, unresponsive or not improving.
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Key takeaways
- Hypoglycaemia first aid (Australia): If conscious and able to swallow, give ~15 g fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., glucose tablets, 6–7 jelly beans, 150 mL regular soft drink, 125 mL fruit juice), re-check after 10–15 min; repeat if still < 4.0 mmol/L. Then give a longer-acting carbohydrate snack.
- If unsure whether high or low, treat as low (give sugar—not diet)—this is unlikely to harm if high and may be life-saving if low. Call 000 if deteriorating.
- Unconscious or unable to swallow? Do not give food/drink. Recovery position if breathing, 000, and consider glucagon if trained and available. Start CPR if not breathing normally.
- Hyperglycaemia first aid: Encourage water (if safe), follow the person’s diabetes management plan, seek medical advice, and call 000 if red flags present (vomiting, deep/rapid breathing, acetone breath, confusion).
Diabetic emergencies explained
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to keep blood glucose levels in a safe range. Diabetic emergencies occur when levels go too low (hypoglycaemia) or too high (hyperglycaemia). Both can make a person unwell, and both may need diabetic emergency first aid and sometimes ambulance care.
Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar) — First Aid in Australia
What is hypoglycaemia? (BGL < 4.0 mmol/L)
Hypoglycaemia is defined as a blood glucose level below 4.0 mmol/L. It’s more common in people with diabetes using insulin or certain tablets. Triggers include missed/delayed meals, extra physical activity, alcohol, illness, or too much medication.
Signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia
Early symptoms: shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness/light-headedness, fast pulse, irritability, tingling lips, blurred vision. Severe features: confusion, slurred speech, seizure, unconsciousness.
Hypoglycaemia First Aid (Australia)
Quick steps for low blood sugar (hypo) using Australian first aid guidance.
Check safety & stop activity
If driving, pull over. Make sure the environment is safe before giving first aid.
Give ~15 g fast-acting carbohydrate
If the person is conscious and can swallow, give ~15 g fast-acting carbohydrate, wait 10–15 min, then re-check. Repeat once if still < 4.0 mmol/L.
Once > 4.0 mmol/L and improving
Provide a longer-acting carbohydrate snack to maintain levels (e.g., slice of bread, 250 mL milk, 1 piece of fruit, 4 dried apricots, yoghurt).
Call 000 & use the recovery position if needed
Call 000 if symptoms persist/worsen, there’s a seizure, or the person becomes unconscious. If breathing, place in the recovery position; give no food/drink if not fully alert.
Glucagon: If trained, you may administer glucagon for severe hypoglycaemia (unconscious, seizure, unable to swallow). Typical dose 1 mg for > 25 kg, 0.5 mg for < 25 kg; then call 000 and follow recovery/CPR steps as needed.
Fast-acting & longer-acting carbohydrate (examples)
Purpose | Option | Typical amount (AU guidance) |
Fast-acting (about 15 g) | Glucose tablets | ~15–20 g glucose (e.g., 4–5 × 4 g tablets) |
Jelly beans | 6–7 regular-size beans | |
Regular soft drink (not diet) | 150 mL (½ can) | |
Fruit juice | 125 mL (½ glass) | |
Oral glucose gel | ~15 g | |
Sugar/honey | 3 tsp | |
Longer-acting | Bread / sandwich | ~1 serve |
Milk/soy milk | 250 mL (1 glass) | |
Fruit | 1 piece | |
Dried fruit | 2–3 pieces (e.g., 4 apricots) | |
Yoghurt | ~100 g (not diet) |
These quantities match Australian government and ANZCOR examples; brands vary so check labels if possible.
Hypoglycaemia in children (parents & carers)
- Use age-appropriate portions of fast-acting carbohydrate; re-check in 10–15 min.
- If a child can’t cooperate to swallow safely, ANZCOR supports using glucose gel in the buccal/sublingual area if trained and appropriate, then seek further care.
Please note: The buccal area refers to the space between the inside of the cheek and the gums, while the sublingual area is the space underneath the tongue. Both areas are used in medicine for rapid absorption of substances directly into the bloodstream through the thin tissues in the mouth.
Diabetic Emergency First Aid
Hyperglycaemia (High Blood Sugar) — First Aid in Australia
Recognise hyperglycaemia: key signs and red flags
Common symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth/skin, tiredness, sometimes weight loss. Red flags suggesting DKA/HHS include nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid deep breathing, fruity/acetone breath, confusion or reduced consciousness—call 000.
Hyperglycaemia first aid steps
Australian first aid steps for hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) focus on supporting the person, preventing dehydration, and seeking medical help—not on giving sugar or specific medications unless directed by the individual’s personal diabetes plan.
- Follow the person’s Diabetes Management Plan if available.
- If no plan is available:
- Encourage the person to drink water to prevent dehydration.
- Monitor for deteriorating symptoms—these may include increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision, hot/dry skin, and a fruity (acetone) smell on the breath.
- Do NOT give sugar or high-carb foods; these are for hypoglycaemia, not hyperglycaemia.
- Seek medical assistance if symptoms worsen, if the person becomes confused or drowsy, or if they are not yet diagnosed with diabetes.
- Call 000 (triple zero) if the person becomes unconscious, is having difficulty breathing, or if their symptoms are severe or suddenly worsen.
- Unconscious person: Place into the recovery position and ensure airway is clear; do NOT give anything by mouth.
These steps are consistent across major Australian first aid and diabetes organisations and are appropriate for adults and children unless otherwise specified in their individual care plan.
Hypoglycaemia vs Hyperglycaemia — quick comparison
Feature | Hypoglycaemia (Hypo) | Hyperglycaemia (High BGL) |
Typical definition | BGL < 4.0 mmol/L | BGL above normal range (often symptomatic when very high; DKA/HHS risk) |
Common signs | Shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, tingling lips; may progress to confusion, seizure, unconsciousness | Thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, tiredness; red flags: vomiting, deep/rapid breathing, acetone breath, confusion |
First aid | ~15 g fast-acting carb, re-check 10–15 min, then longer-acting snack | Water, follow management plan, seek medical advice; call 000 if red flags |
If unsure high or low | Treat as low (give sugar)—unlikely to harm if high | — |
Sources: Healthdirect; ANZCOR Guideline 9.2.9
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First aid in workplaces & schools (living with diabetes)
- Keep a hypo kit (fast-acting carbs + longer-acting snack) with clear signage; brief colleagues/teachers on recognise and respond steps and when to call an ambulance.
- For people with diabetes, have a diabetes management plan (and sick-day plan) and carry ID. NDSS/Diabetes Australia have practical resources for planning and prevention. (Diabetes Australia)
Health guidance also reinforces “no diet drinks” for hypos and using water and medical review for hyperglycaemia.
Fact box: Diabetic Emergency First Aid
Quick reference for hypoglycaemia & hyperglycaemia decisions (AU first aid).
Hypoglycaemia is defined
BGL < 4.0 mmol/L is hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
Treat a hypo (if conscious & can swallow)
Examples (~15 g): 4–5 × 4 g glucose tablets, 6–7 jelly beans, 150 mL regular soft drink, 125 mL fruit juice.
Unsure if high or low?
If unsure — give sugar (not diet). Treating as low is unlikely to harm if high and may be life-saving if low.
Unconscious / not swallowing
Do not give food or drink. Place in the recovery position, call 000, and consider glucagon if trained. Start CPR if not breathing normally.
Prevention & living with diabetes
- Keep a hypo kit handy (home, work, school, car) and ensure colleagues/teachers/carers know what to do and when to call an ambulance.
- Follow your diabetes management plan and prepare a sick-day plan (illness can push glucose levels high and trigger ketoacidosis risk).
- People with type 1 diabetes and people taking insulin are at higher risk of hypos; type 2 diabetes can also be affected.
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References
- Healthdirect: Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) — causes, signs, treatment. Reviewed Nov 2024. Jelly-bean/juice/soft-drink equivalents; re-check timing; longer-acting snack guidance; recovery position and 000 for severe. (Healthdirect)
- ANZCOR Guideline 9.2.9 (Apr 2021; updated access 2025): First Aid Management of a Diabetic Emergency.
- NDSS / Diabetes Australia: Managing hypoglycaemia and Hypo & Hyperglycaemia pages—definitions (BGL < 4.0 mmol/L), prevention planning and sick-day management resources. (NDSS, Diabetes Australia)
- Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute: Hypoglycaemia fact sheet. (baker.edu.au)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I give insulin in a diabetic emergency first aid situation?
No—first aiders don’t give insulin. If the person has a personal management plan, help them follow it and call 000 if they’re unwell or worsening.
Why avoid diet soft drinks in a hypo diabetic emergency first aid scenario?
Because diet varieties lack sugar. ANZCOR specify sugary options (juice, regular soft drink, glucose products).
When must I call an ambulance (000) for a diabetic emergency first aid event?
If the person is unresponsive, unable to swallow, seizing, not improving after treatment, or showing red flags of hyperglycaemia/DKA (vomiting, deep/rapid breathing, acetone breath, confusion).
For diabetic emergency first aid: How many glucose tablets equal ~15 g?
ANZCOR recommends 15–20 g glucose; common packs are 4–5 × 4 g tablets.