There may be few initial symptoms, or they may fail to recognize them. By the time symptoms manifest, these individuals may be too disoriented to help themselves. These folks should be particularly careful to keep to their insulin and eating schedules, and to monitor themselves for low blood glucose levels. A diabetic in this condition, while still conscious and able to swallow, needs a concentrated, refined sugar immediately. At the first sign of a reaction, a diabetic needs to put energy, food, into the body immediately.
Milk is particularly ideal, as it contains both a simple sugar, lactose, and proteins.
The complex carbohydrates in the foods listed above enter the blood more slowly than does refined sugar, but their effects endure, helping re-establish euglycemia, proper blood glucose level. Eat enough to re-establish euglycemia, and then STOP, and WAIT for the shakiness to fade. The diabetic may shake or sweat. Confused, the diabetic may ask the speaker to repeat himself, or may state that the question was not understood. He or she may stop conversing, or might respond very slowly to questions.