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 sugar immediately. If it ll be more than 30 minutes, you should have a snack, more substantial food, to cut the risk the hypoglycemia will reoccur. Food containing complex carbohydrates, such as fruit, crackers, or a lowfat peanut butter sandwich, should be taken.
Skim 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. If a glucose meter is available, use it. 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.