Recognizing Common Signs and Symptoms

As an EA, recognizing the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is critical. These conditions may look different, but both require prompt action to keep students safe. 

Always follow the students’ individualized health plan for specific instructions. 

Low blood sugar can come on quickly and becomes serious within minutes. This is the most immediate risk for students with diabetes at school.  

Common signs include: 

• Shakiness or trembling 
• Sweating or chills 
• Hunger 
• Drowsiness or fatigue 
• Pale skin 
• Confusion or difficulty focusing 
• Irritability or mood swings 
• Headache or dizziness 

High blood sugar builds more slowly. It may not seem urgent at first, but it still needs attention. 

Common signs include: 

• Increased thirst 
• Frequent urination 
• Blurred vision 
• Stomach pain or nausea 
• Tiredness or sluggishness 

Identifying Severe Cases

Severe symptoms mean that blood sugar is dangerously high or low. These situations can become life-threatening. It’s critical to know when to get help. 

Severe Hypoglycemia

When blood sugar drops to a dangerously low level (below 2.8mmol/L), students may show sudden and serious symptoms that require immediate action. 

Signs of dangerously low blood sugar include: 

• Blurry vision 
• Clumsiness and slurred speech 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Inability to swallow 
• Seizures 

Severe Hyperglycemia and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

When blood sugar stays very high (typically above 14 mmol/L), it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening emergency.

Signs of DKA include:

• Flushed or hot, dry skin 
• A fruity or sweet smell on the breath 
• Feeling very drowsy or hard to wake up 
• Confusion 
• Lack of interest in usual activities 
• Rapid, deep breathing 
• Loss of appetite 
• Abdominal pain  
• Vomiting