SAMPLE MODULE 1 Guidelines

Hypoglycemia – recognising and treating low blood sugar

Please read the guidelines below before using Sample 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 people with diabetes – children, teens, adults and families – understand:

  • What low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is
  • How to recognize the wide range of symptoms
  • Why symptoms can feel different each time
  • What to do immediately when blood sugar is low
  • When hypoglycemia becomes an emergency

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 low blood sugar (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

Emotional Support

  • Recognize that symptoms like anger, crying, or “feeling confused” are part of hypoglycemia, not personal failure
  • Understand that lows 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)
  • Recognise 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”) behavior
  • 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, walk-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-acting carbohydrate (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 lows sometimes feel different?”
  • Scenario practice: “You feel shaky and confused – what do you do first?
  • “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 American Diabetes Association Standards of Care in Diabetes, ensuring consistency with evidence-based approaches to the recognition, treatment, and self-management of hypoglycemia.

Alignment to US Guidance

Recognition of Hypoglycemia

Includes both:

  • Autonomic symptoms (shaky, sweaty, fast heartbeat)
  • Neuroglycopenic symptoms (confusion, blurred vision, behaviour changes)
  • Reflects the variability of symptoms between individuals and supports early recognition, consistent with ADA guidance.

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

  • Recommends 15-20g of fast-acting carbohydrate, followed by blood glucose recheck after 10–15 minutes
  • Recheck blood glucose after 15 minutes
  • Repeat treatment if levels remain low
  • Emphasises prompt treatment and avoidance of overtreatment, aligned with ADA Standards of Care.

Severe Hypoglycemia

Clear escalation:

  • Inability to self-treat or loss of consciousness = medical emergency
  • Glucagon (injection or nasal) where available
  • Call emergency services (911)
  • Consistent with ADA guidance on severe hypoglycemia and emergency response.
Go to Sample Module 1 on Hypoglycemia