Insulin and Diabetes Medicines: What You Need to Know

What Are They?
Insulin (like Regular Insulin, Insulin Glargine, Insulin Lispro) and diabetes pills (like Sulfonylureas and Metformin) help control your blood sugar. They keep your blood sugar at a safe level.

Important: These medicines can cause your blood sugar to get too low (called hypoglycemia). This can be dangerous and needs quick action.

What You Should Do

• Don’t ignore any unusual feelings or symptoms.
  
  

• Tell your home health nurse if you have mild problems.
  
  

• If symptoms are serious, get emergency help right away.
  
  

Call Your Nurse If You Have These Mild Symptoms:

• Blood sugar below 70 but getting better after eating sugar, juice, or a snack
  
  

• Feeling shaky, sweaty, or hungry that goes away after eating
  
  

• Feeling lightheaded or a little dizzy
  
  

• Feeling confused or having trouble thinking clearly
  
  

• Feeling very tired or weak
  
  

• Needing to pee more and feeling very thirsty (may mean high blood sugar)
  
  

• Feeling a little sick to your stomach, especially if you take Metformin
  
  

• Swelling in your legs or mild shortness of breath (may be from medicine)
  
  

Call 911 or Go to the ER If You Have These Serious Symptoms:

• Blood sugar below 50 and does not get better after eating sugar
  
  

• Passing out or not waking up (Do NOT try to feed or give drinks if they are unconscious or can’t swallow)
  
  

• Having seizures or shaking uncontrollably
  
  

• Feeling very confused or mixed up
  
  

• Feeling very dizzy or can’t stand up
  
  

• Severe sweating, shaking, or fast heartbeat that does not get better
  
  

• Chest pain or trouble breathing
  
  

• Breath smells fruity, breathing is fast and deep, or feeling very tired (could be diabetic ketoacidosis)
  
  

• Severe stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea (could be lactic acidosis from Metformin)
  
  

Remember:

Mild problems should be told to your nurse quickly. Serious problems need an ambulance or emergency room help right away. Acting fast can save your life.

True or False — Circle True or False for Each Statement:

Instructions: Read each statement. Circle TRUE if it is correct or FALSE if it is wrong. Fix any false statements below.

1. True or False: Insulin and diabetes pills help control your blood sugar.
   
   

2. True or False: You should ignore feeling shaky or hungry because it will go away.
   
   

3. True or False: If your blood sugar is under 70 and improves after eating, tell your nurse.
   
   

4. True or False: If your blood sugar is under 50 and does not get better, you should call 911.
   
   

5. True or False: Passing out or seizures are emergencies that need quick medical help.
   
   

6. True or False: Swelling in your legs can be a sign to tell your nurse.
   
   

7. True or False: You should try to give food or drink to someone who is unconscious.
   
   

8. True or False: Feeling confused or very dizzy is a serious symptom that needs emergency care.
   
   

9. True or False: If your breath smells fruity and you are very tired, call 911.
   
   

10. True or False: Mild nausea or stomach upset is normal and should never be reported.
    
    

INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT QUESTIONS

• What diabetes medicines are you taking?
  
  

• Do you know what your target blood sugar levels should be?
  
  

• Have you felt shaky, sweaty, or hungry recently?
  
  

• Do you know how to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?
  
  

• Have you had any swelling in your legs or trouble breathing?
  
  

• When was your last blood sugar check?
  
  

• Have you had any falls or injuries due to dizziness or weakness?
  
  

• Do you know when to call your nurse and when to call 911?
  
  

• Are you able to get help fast if your blood sugar drops too low?
  
  

• Do you understand how to manage your diabetes medicines safely?
  
  

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True — Insulin and pills help keep blood sugar in a safe range.
   
   

2. False — You should not ignore shakiness or hunger; they can be signs of low blood sugar.
   
   

3. True — Blood sugar under 70 that improves after treatment should be reported.
   
   

4. True — Blood sugar under 50 that does not improve is an emergency.
   
   

5. True — Passing out or seizures need immediate medical help.
   
   

6. True — Swelling can be a side effect of medicine and needs to be reported.
   
   

7. False — Never give food or drink to someone who is unconscious or cannot swallow.
   
   

8. True — Confusion or severe dizziness are serious and need emergency care.
   
   

9. True — Fruity breath and tiredness can mean dangerous diabetic ketoacidosis.
   
   

10. False — Mild nausea should be reported because it may mean medicine side effects.
    
    

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911