Diabetes Emergency Actions — Quick Checklist
One-page quick reference for severe hypos, high blood glucose with ketones, and suspected DKA.
Diabetes Emergency Actions — Quick Checklist
A one-page reference for urgent situations with diabetes.
⚠️ Always follow your personal care plan and seek professional medical help if unsure.
🟦 Severe Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)
When: Unable to swallow, seizure, or unconscious.
- Do not give food or drink by mouth
- Give glucagon (nasal or injectable) if trained
- Call emergency services
- Once awake → longer-acting carbs and contact diabetes team
🟥 High Glucose with Ketones
When: Glucose >13.9 mmol/L (250 mg/dL) + ketones present or feeling unwell.
- Fluids: sugar-free drinks, small sips every 5–10 min
- Correction insulin per plan (pen/syringe if pump issue suspected)
- Recheck glucose + ketones every 1–2 h
- If ketones ≥3.0 mmol/L or vomiting/drowsy → go to ED now
🟧 Suspected DKA (Medical Emergency)
Warning signs:
- Ketones ≥3.0 mmol/L
- Persistent vomiting/abdominal pain
- Deep, rapid breathing, fruity breath
- Severe tiredness, confusion, drowsiness
Action:
- Do not stop insulin
- Seek urgent medical care immediately
- Continue fluids + correction insulin as advised while awaiting help
🧰 Emergency Kit Checklist
- Glucose tablets/gel or juice
- Glucagon (check expiry)
- Meter + strips / CGM
- Blood ketone meter + strips
- Spare insulin pens/syringes or pump sets
- Oral rehydration solution / electrolyte drinks
- Written sick-day & emergency plan + contacts
⚠️ This quick guide is for educational purposes only. Always follow your personalised plan and seek emergency care if in doubt.
Tags: diabetes, type 1 diabetes, emergency, hypoglycaemia, DKA, checklist