What to give a conscious guest in a diabetic emergency when you’re unsure

Outline in a nutshell

• Quick verdict: For a conscious guest showing signs of a diabetic emergency, give sugar.

• Why sugar works fast and what “fast-acting carbohydrate” means in real life.

• How to recognize hypoglycemia and what to look for on the pool deck.

• A simple, safe step-by-step action plan for lifeguards in the moment.

• What to do if symptoms don’t improve or if you’re unsure about hyperglycemia.

• Practical tips for keeping sugar on hand and staying ready.

Sugar is the call when blood sugar seems to be slipping

Let’s cut to the chase. If a conscious guest might be having a diabetic emergency, the quick, safest move is sugar. In the moment, you don’t want to guess or stall. Low blood sugar – hypoglycemia – can sneak up fast and mimic ordinary fatigue or nerves. Sugar gives the body a rapid dose of glucose, the fuel the brain and muscles rely on when things go a bit off track.

Here’s the thing about the other options. Water is essential for staying hydrated, sure, but it doesn’t fix a glucose shortfall in the moment. Food can help, but solid food takes longer to break down and release glucose into the bloodstream. Insulin? That’s a medical treatment for high blood sugar scenarios and should only be given under the guidance of a medical professional who knows the person’s history. In an emergency where you’re uncertain about the situation, sugar is the safest, most immediate action you can take for a conscious guest who might be hypoglycemic.

Recognizing signs of a diabetic emergency on the deck

A lifeguard’s job is to read the scene quickly. Hypoglycemia often shows up as a mix of recognizable, watchful signs:

• Shakiness or trembling, especially in arms or legs

• Sweating, pale skin, or clamminess

• Confusion or slow, slurred speech

• Dizziness, weakness, or feeling unsteady

• Irritability or sudden mood changes

• A sense of just not feeling right, especially if the guest has a known diabetes history

If a guest mentions they have diabetes or you spot a medical ID bracelet, that helps your judgment. But even without a bracelet, if the signs point toward low blood glucose and the person is conscious, you’ve got a clear reason to act fast with sugar.

What counts as fast-acting sugar (and how much)

“Fast-acting” means something the body can absorb quickly to raise blood glucose. On the pool deck, a few reliable options include:

• Glucose tablets (check the package for total grams of glucose; aim for roughly 15 grams to start)

• Fruit juice (about 4 to 6 ounces, or 120 to 180 milliliters)

• Regular (non-diet) soda (4 to 6 ounces)

• Small candies or glucose gel that add up to around 15 grams of sugar

The key is to give roughly 15 to 20 grams of glucose and then wait. If the person’s symptoms improve, follow up with a small snack containing protein or fats to stabilize blood sugar. If there’s no improvement after about 15 minutes, give another 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate and reassess. If symptoms persist or you’re unsure, call for EMS.

A practical, step-by-step approach you can use now

1. Approach with calm, clear communication

• Introduce yourself, explain you’re there to help, and ask if they have diabetes. If they can answer, that’s great; if not, proceed with a cautious, caring approach.

• Offer the sugar option and note exactly what you’re giving. For example: “I’m going to give you some quick sugar now. We’ll check in after a couple of minutes.”

2. Provide a measured dose of sugar

• Give about 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate using one of the safe sources listed above.

• If you’re using juice or soda, use a measured amount (4–6 ounces) so you can estimate the dose.

• If you’re using glucose tablets, count the tablets to total roughly 15 grams.

3. Wait and recheck

• Give it 15 minutes, then ask how they’re feeling and look for improvement: more alert, steadier, less shaky.

• Recheck their symptoms. If they’re better but not back to normal, offer a small snack and continue to monitor.

4. Decide on the next steps

• If improvement is clear, provide a light snack (like crackers with cheese or a peanut butter packet) to help sustain the glucose.

• If there’s no improvement after the second try, or if the guest becomes unresponsive, summon EMS and begin standard emergency care for a potential diabetic crisis.

• If you’re certain the guest is still capable of swallowing and is not nauseated, you can continue to monitor and assist, but do not delay professional help if anything seems off.

5. Keep the scene safe and documented

• Make sure they’re in a safe position, seated or lying down with support if needed.

• Note the time sugar was given and any changes in symptoms.

• If EMS arrives, share what you observed and what you gave.

Hyperglycemia in the mix? Here’s where caution comes in

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is a different beast and requires a different course of action. In a public setting with an unknown history, giving sugar won’t fix high blood sugar and could make things worse if the person is actually hyperglycemic. That’s why the guidance in real-life situations is to treat as hypoglycemia if the person is conscious and you’re unsure about the situation. If the person communicates a known history of high blood sugar, or if you observe signs like excessive thirst, fruity breath, very high blood glucose levels if a reader shows a meter, or weakness that doesn’t improve, you still should call for professional medical help. A trained clinician can determine the right treatment, including whether insulin or other interventions are needed in collaboration with the person’s medical team.

Why this approach matters on a busy beach or pool deck

Lifeguards are charged with quick, decisive action. Waiting around for a perfect diagnosis isn’t a luxury you often have. The immediate goal is to restore glucose to the brain and stabilise the guest so they don’t drift into a more dangerous state. Sugar is fast, accessible, and generally safe for a conscious person who can swallow. It buys time while you assess the bigger picture, call for help if needed, and keep the scene calm and controlled.

A few practical tips for readiness

• Stock a tiny “diabetes-friendly” pocket stash in your first aid kit: glucose tablets, a small bottle of juice, and perhaps a few hard candies.

• Keep a simple “what to give” cheat sheet in your kit or on your radio belt, so you don’t have to hunt for numbers in the moment.

• Have clear handoff routines with on-site medical staff or park management. A quick, well-scripted report speeds up care.

• Talk with your team about signs that look like hypoglycemia vs. dehydration or fatigue. You’ll sharpen your instincts and reduce hesitation.

• If you’re ever uncertain, err on the side of giving sugar to a conscious guest with suspected hypoglycemia. It’s safer than guessing and risking a more severe episode.

A small note on communication and care

People who work near water know the value of staying calm under pressure. In a diabetic emergency, your tone matters as much as your action. Use plain language, reassure the guest, and explain what you’re doing in simple terms. You’re a lifeline in a moment that can feel overwhelming. A steady voice, a clear plan, and a quick dose of glucose can turn a scary moment into a controlled, solvable situation.

Closing thoughts

When you’re on the pool deck, you’re not just watching for drowning or injuries. You’re also spotting subtler signs that something isn’t right with a guest who depends on a daily plan that includes insulin, meals, and glucose monitoring. The question many lifeguards face in a pinch is straightforward: if a conscious guest may be having a diabetic emergency and you’re unsure of the exact cause, what should you give? Sugar. A quick dose of glucose now can restore clarity, restore safety, and buy time for professional care if needed.

If you want to feel more confident in real-life scenarios, study the common signs of hypoglycemia and keep a simple, practical set of tools at your station. The goal isn’t to memorize a long rulebook; it’s to stay ready, stay calm, and act decisively when a guest’s health needs quick support. With that mindset, you’re not just following guidelines—you’re protecting lives and helping people enjoy their time at the water with a little more peace of mind.