Severe Hypoglycemia
Severe Hypoglycemia Resources
Severe hypoglycemia events (SHE) can be frightening and unpredictable for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and those who care for them. Understanding what severe hypoglycemia is, how to recognize it, and how to prepare can help you feel more informed and confident.
Whether you live with T1D, care for someone who does, or simply want to be better prepared, these resources can help you understand:
What severe hypoglycemia is and how it differs from other low blood sugars
Signs and symptoms to be aware of
How to prepare for a severe hypoglycemic eventWhat to do when someone needs help treating a low
The role of glucagon in treating severe hypoglycemia
Experiences and perspectives from people living with T1D
What Severe Hypoglycemia Actually Means
Most people think of low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia, on a simple scale: a low, and then a "bad" low.
A severe hypoglycemic event is one where your glucose has dropped low enough that you experience altered mental or physical function, meaning you need help from someone else to treat and recover.
The American Diabetes Association defines hypoglycemic events in 3 levels.
This is your standard low, uncomfortable, but usually easy to treat on your own.
Low enough that your body is under real physiological stress. Despite the low reading, you can still treat independently.
This is also called severe hypoglycemia, but it is different from the first two levels. It isn't defined by a number on your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or meter at all. It's defined by what your body and mind can do about it.
T1D Exchange Articles
Is It 'Just a Low'? What Actually Counts as a Severe Hypoglycemic Event
What makes a low blood sugar “severe”? It’s not defined by a specific glucose number. Jennifer Sherr, MD, PhD, explains what counts as severe hypoglycemia, common misconceptions, and why recognizing these events matters.
Our Research
Check out some of T1D Exchange's published research on severe hypoglycemia.
Persistent Burden of Severe Hypoglycemia and Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia Among People With Type 1 Diabetes Despite Technology Use: A Follow-up Survey
Learn moreT1D Exchange Outcomes Research Spotlight: Severe Hypoglycemia and Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia in Registry Participants
Limitations in Achieving Glycemic Targets From CGM Data and Persistence of Severe Hypoglycemia in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Regardless of Insulin Delivery Method
Learn moreSevere Hypoglycemia and Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia Persist in People With Type 1 Diabetes Despite Use of Diabetes Technology: Results From a Cross-Sectional Survey
Learn moreImpact of SHE Frequency and IAH Status on Sleep Quality in Adult Continuous Glucose Monitor Users With Type 1 Diabetes: Results From a Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Learn moreLife and Work Productivity Impairment in Adult Continuous Glucose Monitor Users With Type 1 Diabetes: Results From a Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Learn moreThe Psychosocial Burden of Severe Hypoglycemic Events and Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia in Adult Continuous Glucose Monitor Users: Results From a Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Learn moreThis content was developed independently by T1D Exchange and was supported by a financial contribution from Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this webpage is not intended to replace medical guidance from your health care provider. T1D Exchange recommends using the above resources with expert guidance from your healthcare provider.