Read this before you ride together
Your riding mate has diabetes. Most rides will be completely fine — but if their blood sugar drops too low on trail, you need to know what to look for and what to do.
This is not a medical guide. It is a practical riding buddy guide.
If in any doubt, call 999. Always better to call and not need them than need them and not call.
This is not a medical guide. It is a practical riding buddy guide.
If in any doubt, call 999. Always better to call and not need them than need them and not call.
Tap a stage when you need it
🟢 EARLY WARNING
Quieter than usual, shaky, fumbling — act now
›
🟠 NEEDS HELP NOW
Confused, slurred, struggling — give sugar immediately
›
🔴 CALL 999 NOW
Unconscious, not improving, seizure — do not wait
›
Before every ride — check they have:
Glucose tabs or gel
Small juice carton
Slow-release snack
Phone — charged
Their medication
Medical ID card
Emergency contact saved
BG meter or CGM
⚕️ Not a substitute for medical training. In any emergency, call 999. Guidance informed by paramedic consultation.
Medical Disclaimer · Privacy
Medical Disclaimer · Privacy
🟢 EARLY WARNING
Act now — prevent it getting worse. They are conscious and able to respond.
What to look for
Quieter than usual
Slightly confused
Fumbling with gear
Slower reactions
Pale or sweaty
Says they feel "off"
Shaky hands
Riding unusually cautiously
What to do — step by step
1
Stop riding immediately. Pull over safely and check in with them.
2
Ask how they feel and if they've checked their BG recently.
3
Give fast sugar now — glucose tabs, gel or juice from their jersey or pack. Don't wait for confirmation.
4
Wait 10–15 minutes. If they improve, continue — but keep a close eye for the rest of the ride.
5
If no improvement after 15 minutes — move to the Amber stage.
🟠 NEEDS HELP NOW
Conscious but struggling — act immediately. Do not leave them alone.
What to look for
Confused or disorientated
Slurred speech
Aggressive or agitated
Very shaky or weak
Glassy or vacant eyes
Not making sense
Can't hold their bike
Sweating heavily
What to do — step by step
1
Stop everything. Get them off the bike and seated or lying safely.
2
If they can swallow safely — give sugar immediately. Glucose tabs, gel, or 150–200ml fruit juice from their kit.
3
Target 15–20g fast carbs — roughly 4–5 glucose tabs or one energy gel. Do not give chocolate — too slow to act.
4
Wait 10–15 minutes. If improving, give a slow-release snack too — biscuit, cereal bar or banana.
5
Do not leave them alone until fully alert and recovered.
6
No improvement after 15 minutes or they deteriorate — call 999 immediately.
⚠️ Do NOT
✕Give anything by mouth if they can't swallow safely
✕Leave them alone at any point
✕Let them ride on until fully recovered
✕Give chocolate — it is too slow acting
What to look for
Unconscious or unresponsive
Cannot be woken
Seizure / convulsing
Cannot swallow
Not improving after sugar
Breathing abnormally
Lips or skin turning blue
While waiting for 999
1
Do not give anything by mouth if unconscious or can't swallow — serious choking risk.
2
Recovery position if unconscious and breathing — on their side, head tilted back to keep airway open.
3
Stay on the line with 999. The operator will guide you through exactly what to do.
4
Tell paramedics: Type 2 diabetic, suspected hypo, last known BG reading, medication, how long unresponsive.
5
Check their kit for a medical ID card, alert bracelet or phone — emergency contact is there.
⚠️ Do NOT
✕Put anything in their mouth if unconscious
✕Leave them alone while waiting for ambulance
✕Move them unless in immediate danger
✕Delay calling 999 to see if they improve
📍 Telling 999 where you are
In a forest or on a trail this is the hardest part. Download the what3words app before you ride — it gives any location a unique 3-word address. Open it now and read the words to the operator.
⚕️ Not a substitute for medical training. Always call 999 in an emergency. Guidance informed by paramedic consultation using JRCALC clinical guidelines.
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer