Dr. Debmalya Sanyal :: World Patient Safety Day 2026 will be observed under the theme “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases” and the slogan “Safe care for life!” The campaign highlights the experiences of people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, who require lifelong, complex and coordinated care across hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and homes.
A key patient safety risk that is often overlooked in diabetes care is hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia happens when blood glucose drops below a range. Although blood glucose is a target for diabetes management, an excessively low level of blood sugar can become an immediate life‑threatening crisis. Why is low blood sugar so dangerous? Symptoms of hypoglycemia are common. These symptoms include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, weakness, irritability, blurred vision, confusion and a fast heartbeat.If hypoglycemia is not treated, it can cause seizures, coma, accidents, falls, heart problems and in severe cases, death.
Hypoglycemia is generally defined as a blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL. It can be a concern for older adults, people with liver or kidney problems, those with irregular eating habits, and patients taking insulin or other diabetes medicines. Common triggers include physical activity, alcohol consumption, skipped or delayed meals, vomiting, and changes in medication doses. Being aware of these triggers and recognising the early signs of low blood sugar can help prevent complications and ensure timely management. If the patient is conscious and alert, along with 15 gm of glucose need to give complex carbohydrates like bread/ biscuits and recheck glucose after 15 mins, if still below 70mg/dl repeat the process.
Diabetes management usually involves healthcare providers and touches many points of care. One doctor may write prescriptions, another may provide diagnostics, pharmacies may supply medicines and relatives or caregivers may deliver doses at home. When these encounters are not synchronized with complete information, the risk of error rises. Discharge decisions can occur without an understanding of the meal plan, missed doses and how to monitor symptoms of hypoglycemia. Symptoms of blood sugar can also be mistaken for anxiety, fatigue, or old age.
The essence of patient safety is not about choosing a prescription, it is about consistently reviewing medicines, giving precise counselling, maintaining safe documentation and coordinating communication among patients, caretakers, clinicians and pharmacists. Family members and caregivers should learn to recognize signs of hypoglycemia and how to respond. If the person can swallow, a digestible glucose source should be given as directed. Blood sugar should be checked again if possible, and immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms do not improve or worsen. Do not give food. Do not give anything by mouth to a person who is unconscious, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely. Call for emergency help immediately. Safer management in diabetes begins with treatment and care to avoid low blood sugar. Some strategies include a review of medication, the meal plan, physical activity, kidney function and individual needs. Patients should ask questions, keep an updated list of all medicines and report any repeated episodes of hypoglycemia.
On this World Patient Safety Day the lesson is that safe diabetes care does not mean lower numbers. It means balancing treatment intentions with the treatment experience in every decision that is made, known and delivered. The safe management of hypoglycemia is non‑negotiable.
Consultant – Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolic Medicine Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur – Kolkata
