Kids with diabetes try to keep their glucose in a target range. Sometimes it goes too low (a hypo) or too high (a hyper). Knowing the signs helps you act fast.

Low glucose (hypo)

A low happens when there is not enough glucose in the blood, for example after lots of sport, a missed snack or too much insulin. Signs can be:

• Shaky or sweaty
• Dizzy or pale
• Very hungry
• Grumpy, sad or confused
• A headache or blurry eyes

What to do for a low

1. Check your glucose if you can.
2. Eat or drink a fast sugar, like juice or glucose tablets. Your team tells you how much.
3. Wait 15 minutes, then check again.
4. Still low? Take another fast sugar.
5. Always tell a grown-up!

🚨 If someone with diabetes passes out or can't swallow, call emergency services right away. Never put food in their mouth.

High glucose (hyper)

• Very thirsty
• Peeing a lot
• Tired
• A tummy ache or a headache

For a high, drink water, tell a grown-up and follow your diabetes plan. Sometimes it means taking insulin.

💡 Beep's colours: red means low, green means in range, yellow means high.

Sources

• American Diabetes Association: Hypoglycemia
• NHS: Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
• NHS: High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)
• ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Hypoglycemia (Abraham et al.)
• International consensus on time in range (Battelino et al., Diabetes Care 2019)
• AJD, Aide aux Jeunes Diabétiques

Last checked 20 October 2026.