Low Blood Sugar? A Practical Guide to Hypo Treatments for T1D Kids
Managing T1D is a full-time job, and as parents, you become part-time pancreas, full-time worry warriors, and snack time champions! One of the trickiest parts of T1D is dealing with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)- especially in toddlers, children and teens- who all have different needs (and let’s be honest, different levels of cooperation!).
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a fun, practical guide to hypoglycemia treatments for different ages and situations, so you’re always prepared when the numbers start dropping. Always follow your child's hospital team’s guidelines for treating a hypo properly.
First Things First: Recognising Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia can sneak up fast! Keep an eye out for these signs:
Shakiness or dizziness
Sweating (even when it’s not hot)
Sudden irritability or mood swings
Hunger
Confusion or trouble concentrating
Pale skin or fatigue
Fast heartbeat
If your child has a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you might get an alert before symptoms appear. Sometimes, your child may feel the symptoms before the CGM alerts you. Always trust how your child feels over the number on the screen.
Hypo Treatments by Age
Toddlers (Ages 1-4): Tiny by Mighty
Toddlers can’t always tell you when they feel “off,” so keeping fast-acting sugar nearby is crucial. Getting them to drink or eat when they don’t want to? That’s another story!
Good options:
Glucose gel- Easy to rub inside their cheek (great if they refuse to eat).
Fruit Juice (apple, orange, grape)
Fruit puree pouches- squeezable and mess free
Honey or syrup (if they won’t chew or drink)- Just a small dab inside the cheek
3 to 4 jelly babies
Glucose Shot- yummy flavours
Tricks to try:
Use a fun straw or their favourite cup to encourage drinking
Give a “special” emergency snack only for lows (makes it feel like a treat
Try a little spoonful of something sweet (sometimes they’re more willing to eat than drink)
Children (Ages 5-12): Little Adventurers
At this age, children are more aware of their lows but may not always stop playing to treat them (or they may over-treat and spike later!) Keeping treatments quick, tasty and portable is key.
Good options:
Glucose tablets (chewable and fast-acting)- Yummy flavours
Juice boxes (apple, orange, grape)- easy to carry and measure
Small packets of fruit snacks- fun and effective
Jelly Babies (4-5)- A little fun goes a long way
Tricks to try:
Make a hypo kit with their favourite fast-acting carbs and let them choose.
Keep treats in multiple locations (backpack, car, school nurse’s office, sports bag, bedside table)
Use a sticker chart or fun rewards to encourage responsible self-treatment
Teens (Ages 13+): Independence in Progress
Teens often want more control, which is great- but it also means they may ignore lows or feel embarrassed treating them in front of friends. Discreet and easy options work best.
Good options:
Glucose gel packets (easy to keep in a pocket)
Glucose tablets/ Glucose Shots (quick, no mess, no questions)
Small bottle of Lucozade or fruit juice (apple, orange, grape)
Jelly Babies (4-5)
Tricks to try:
Encourage them to always carry a small hypo stash (wallet, backpack, gym bag).
Talk about why it’s important to treat lows fast (avoiding spikes later).
Set up phone reminders or CGM alerts so they don’t ignore symptoms.
Making Hypo Treatment Less Stressful
Practice, Practice, Practice- Teach your child what lows feel like and how to treat them
Stay Calm- Children feed off your energy- if you’re panicked, they’ll be too.
Make it Routine-Treating lows should be second nature, not scary
Empower them- Let them choose their treatment whenever possible
Keep Stocked- Check Hypo stashes regularly and refill when necessary
