During activity, a person with diabetes experiences dizziness and sweating indicating possible hypoglycemia. What is the most immediate action?

During activity, a person with diabetes experiences dizziness and sweating indicating possible hypoglycemia. What is the most immediate action?

• A. Delay
• B. Seek medical help immediately
• C. Administer orange juice for hypoglycemia
• D. Continue activity

Answer: (C)

Prompt recognition of hypoglycemia and rapid correction with a fast-acting carbohydrate is essential when symptoms like dizziness and sweating appear during activity for someone with diabetes. The immediate goal is to raise blood glucose quickly to relieve symptoms and prevent further decline. Orange juice is a ideal first option because it contains simple sugars that are absorbed rapidly, typically lifting glucose within minutes and helping the brain regain function soon after. Providing a quick source of glucose now allows the person to safely continue or pause activity as needed once they feel better. A practical approach is to give about 4 ounces (120 mL) of orange juice, which is roughly 15 grams of carbohydrate. After this, monitor the person and reassess in about 15 minutes. If symptoms persist or the glucose remains low, repeat the fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck. If the person cannot swallow, becomes unconscious, or cannot protect their airway, seek emergency medical help immediately and administer glucagon if you have been trained to do so. Once stabilized, review prevention strategies for activity planning and glucose monitoring to reduce future risk.

Prompt recognition of hypoglycemia and rapid correction with a fast-acting carbohydrate is essential when symptoms like dizziness and sweating appear during activity for someone with diabetes. The immediate goal is to raise blood glucose quickly to relieve symptoms and prevent further decline. Orange juice is a ideal first option because it contains simple sugars that are absorbed rapidly, typically lifting glucose within minutes and helping the brain regain function soon after. Providing a quick source of glucose now allows the person to safely continue or pause activity as needed once they feel better.

A practical approach is to give about 4 ounces (120 mL) of orange juice, which is roughly 15 grams of carbohydrate. After this, monitor the person and reassess in about 15 minutes. If symptoms persist or the glucose remains low, repeat the fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck. If the person cannot swallow, becomes unconscious, or cannot protect their airway, seek emergency medical help immediately and administer glucagon if you have been trained to do so. Once stabilized, review prevention strategies for activity planning and glucose monitoring to reduce future risk.