For unconscious hypoglycemia, what is the recommended treatment?

• A. Glucose gel orally
• B. Maintain airway and give oxygen
• C. Call 999 if no recovery
• D. Glucagon intramuscularly

Answer: (D)

When someone is unconscious from hypoglycemia, the priority is to raise the blood glucose quickly in a way they can’t swallow. Glucagon given as an intramuscular injection does this by signaling the liver to release stored glucose, which can reverse the low sugar even when the patient is not conscious. Oral glucose gels aren’t suitable here because the person can’t safely swallow and there’s a risk of choking or aspiration. While supporting airway and breathing is essential in any emergency, they don’t treat the underlying low glucose. If there’s no quick improvement after glucagon, emergency help should be sought and additional treatment (such as IV glucose) can be considered once available.