← Help in Grant County

Someone with diabetes is shaky, confused or passing out

Use when someone who has diabetes (or may) is shaky, sweaty, confused, acting drunk, or passing out. Low blood sugar can come on fast and needs sugar right away.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Low blood sugar: give sugar now

Signs: shaky, sweaty, pale, hungry, fast heartbeat, grumpy, confused, acting drunk.
You can ask"Do you have diabetes? Do you feel low?"
If they are awake and can swallow, give fast sugar right away: half a cup of juice or regular (not diet) soda, 3-4 glucose tablets, or a spoonful of sugar or honey.
Wait 15 minutes. If they still feel low, give the same amount again.
When they feel better, give a snack like crackers, a sandwich or peanut butter.
At the Gospel MissionAsk at the Mission front desk for a snack bag. Breakfast and lunch are served on weekdays.

2Call 911 if

They pass out, have a seizure, can't swallow, or don't get better after sugar twice.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
Never put food or drink in the mouth of someone who isn't awake.
If they carry a glucagon kit and you know how to use it, use it while you wait for help.
Lay them on their side.

3High blood sugar

Very thirsty, peeing a lot, very tired, blurry vision, fruity breath, throwing up or breathing fast can mean blood sugar is too high.
Throwing up, breathing fast or confusion with high sugar is an emergency. Call 911.
If they are out of insulin or diabetes supplies, use the guide "Has a prescription but can't afford the medicine".
Hidalgo Medical Services
Call4Health: After-hours nurse advice line
855-742-3400
· After hours

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

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If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.