When You're On The Phone With Someone Experiencing Hypoglycemia

It's happened a few times...and again just now, which reminded me of how I approach this situation.

A very competent member of my son's healthcare team called late in the evening. After chatting for a few minutes, I asked why this individual was at work so late. The response was, "I take my time...and I'm low."

How low?

"In the 40s."

How do you feel?

"Sweaty and symptomatic."

How long have you been low?

(Got a response about several data points over the past 90 minutes that were all trending downward)

What have you done about it?

"Eaten pizza and a bagel."

Hmmm. (Thinking to myself that the fat in the pizza is digesting slowly) - I think you might need some fast acting carbs.

"What do you mean?"

I mean that pizza digests slowly, which is why you might not be coming up. Do you have any candy you can suck on?

"Yes, that's a good idea."

Are you at the office alone?

"No."

Who is with you?

"The janitor."

That might not be the best plan.

"Right. Don't pass out."

Are you okay? Where are you?

"In my office. I'll be okay."

How about you call and check in with me in 20 minutes to let me know you're okay?

"What are you going to do if I'm not?"

I don't know. Do you want me to call your wife?

"You don't have her number." (Clearly not problem-solving well on his own)

True, but you could give that to me.

"Oh, really? Okay." (Gives me number)

So if I don't hear from you in 20 minutes, I'm going to call your cell phone. And if you don't answer, I'm going to call your wife. Ok?

"Yes."

I set an alarm on my phone for 20 minutes so I wouldn't get distracted and forget. 16 minutes later he called back, sounding just like his normal, perky, on-the-ball self. He said he hadn't had a sustained low like that in a long time. Thanked me for caring.

Even the sharpest individuals can lose the ability to think clearly when they have low blood sugar. While I ran the risk of offending a very competent adult who has lived with diabetes for a long time, I could sense something was off. I followed my gut. It would be much easier to live with myself having pushed a little to ensure his safety (and perhaps needing to apologize for overstepping my bounds) than to learn later I should have done more to help.

In other situations, it's been helpful to get the person's current location (address, city, and state), the name and phone number of someone close by or an emergency contact, and even (once) the number of an Uber driver to let them know what was happening in the back seat of their vehicle.

Clearly, I (must) spend a fair amount of time talking to people with Type 1 Diabetes. LOL. This is just part of a day in the life in the Type 1 community. We help each other. Sometimes it is with supplies. Sometimes it is with emotional support. Sometimes it is helping someone who isn't capable of problem-solving for themselves stay safe. And I'm SO grateful to be able to help others.