For a conscious patient with suspected insulin shock who can swallow, what is the recommended first aid step?

• A. Administer oral glucose
• B. Administer insulin
• C. Induce vomiting
• D. Give activated charcoal

Answer: (A)

When someone is conscious and suspected of insulin-induced hypoglycemia (insulin shock), the priority is to raise their blood glucose quickly. A fast-acting oral carbohydrate is appropriate because it is absorbed rapidly from the gut and can restore glucose to normal levels promptly. Giving oral glucose directly addresses the low blood sugar and helps the brain regain its fuel.

Giving insulin would lower blood glucose even more, worsening the situation. Inducing vomiting isn’t helpful and poses a risk if the airway is not protected. Activated charcoal treats certain ingested toxins, not hypoglycemia, so it won’t help in this scenario.

If you administer oral glucose, have the patient chew or sip a measured amount (for example, 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate) and then recheck their status in about 15 minutes. If symptoms persist or the glucose remains low, repeat the dose and seek further medical help. If the patient becomes unconscious or cannot swallow, follow emergency protocols and prepare for alternate glucose administration routes (such as IV dextrose or glucagon) as trained.