MODULE 1 Guidelines – Pilot

Hypoglycemia – recognizing and treating low blood sugar

Please read the guidelines below before using Module 1: Hypoglycemia – recognizing and treating low blood sugar

“Recognizing and treating hypoglycemia” introduces the physical, emotional and practical experience of low blood sugar through clear, visual storytelling.

This module helps patients – children, teens, adults and families – understand:

  • What hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is
  • How to recognise the wide range of symptoms
  • Why symptoms can feel different each time
  • What to do immediately when a low occurs
  • When hypoglycemia becomes an emergency
  • Why hypos happen and how to begin preventing them

Educators can use this module to guide calm, structured conversations that reduce panic and replace it with clear, actionable steps.

This is a core safety module for the Miss Diabetes Education Hub.

By the end of this module, patients and families will gain:

Understanding

  • Explain what hypoglycemia is in simple terms (not enough glucose for the brain and body)
  • Recognize a wide range of symptoms (physical, emotional, cognitive)
  • Understand that symptoms can vary between people and from episode to episode
  • Identify common causes (insulin, missed meals, exercise, environmental factors)

Emotional Support

  • Recognise that symptoms like anger, crying, or “feeling confused” are part of hypoglycemia — not personal failure
  • Understand that hypos can feel sudden and frightening
  • Reduce shame or confusion around behaviour during lows
  • Begin naming personal experiences of hypoglycemia

Confidence and Skills

  • Know to act quickly when symptoms appear
  • Understand the role of fast-acting carbohydrates (15–20g)
  • Recognize when they cannot manage alone
  • Understand when to escalate to emergency help (loss of consciousness, severe hypo)

Educator Goals

  • Anchor learning in pattern recognition (symptoms → action)
  • Reduce hesitation (“wait and see”) behaviour
  • Reinforce immediacy of treatment without creating fear
  • Use visuals to improve recall under stress

Every clinic is different. This module works whether you have 5 minutes, 15 minutes or a full session.

Option A – 5 Minute Micro Session

For rushed appointments, drop-ins, follow-ups or overwhelmed families.

  • Show the full hypoglycemia comic
  • Ask: “Which of these have you felt before?”
  • Reinforce one key rule: “If you feel low — treat immediately.”

Option B – 10-15 Minute Short Session

Walk through the comic in 3 parts:

  • Symptoms grid
  • “Treat it quickly” panel
  • “Get help immediately” panel
  • Ask: “Which symptoms would you notice first?”
  • Reinforce: Fast sugar (15–20g)
  • Briefly explain causes of Hypoglycemia

Option C – 20-30 Minute Short Session

For structured education or group sessions.

  • Guided walkthrough of the full comic
  • Group discussion: “Why do hypos sometimes feel different?”
  • Scenario practice: “You feel shaky and confused — what do you do first?”
  • Worksheet activity: Circle personal symptoms, identify treatment steps
  • “You don’t need to be perfect – you need to act early.”

This module has been developed to support people living with type 1 diabetes and their families. Content is aligned with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standard of Care in Diabetes – 2025 and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Guidelines, ensuring consistency with evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and self-management education.

Alignment to US Guidance

Recognition of Hypoglycemia

Includes both:

  • Autonomic symptoms (shaky, sweaty, fast heartbeat)
  • Neuroglycopenic symptoms (confusion, blurred vision, behaviour changes)
  • Reflects real-world variability (strongly supported in clinical literature)

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

  • Recommends 15g of fast-acting carbohydrate, followed by blood glucose recheck after 10–15 minutes
  • Reinforces repeating treatment if blood glucose remains low
  • Emphasis on immediate treatment
  • Aligns with ADA hypoglycemia treatment standards

Severe Hypoglycemia

Clear escalation:

  • Loss of consciousness = emergency
  • Glucagon use where available
  • Includes escalation for severe hypoglycemia (glucagon, emergency support) consistent with International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes guidance

Causes and Prevention

Identifies:

  • Insulin dosing
  • Missed meals
  • Exercise
  • Environmental factors (e.g. heat)
  • Introduces early awareness of prevention without overwhelming detail
Go to Pilot Module on Hypoglycemia
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