What should you do first if someone shows signs of severe hypoglycemia?

In the case of severe hypoglycemia, the immediate priority is to quickly raise the person’s blood sugar levels to prevent serious health consequences. Administering sugar or glucose is the most effective and urgent action to take, as it can rapidly reverse the dangerous low blood sugar levels.

When someone is experiencing severe hypoglycemia, they may exhibit symptoms such as confusion, irritability, weakness, or even loss of consciousness. Giving sugar or glucose helps to restore their blood sugar levels, which is crucial in this emergency situation.

While checking their blood sugar level or calling emergency services might also be necessary steps to take soon after, the critical factor during severe hypoglycemia is to address the low blood sugar as quickly as possible. Insulin administration would be inappropriate at this time because it would further lower blood sugar levels, exacerbating the problem. Thus, immediate provision of sugar or glucose is essential for the person's health and safety.