Diabetic Emergency
Diabetic emergency
Diabetes is a condition caused by the body not producing enough of the hormone insulin.
Insulin breaks down sugars from the diet so that they can be stored for later use. Without insulin, sugar in the blood can build up to dangerously high levels.
People with diabetes can control their condition through diet, tablets, insulin injections or a combination, depending on the severity.
Diabetic emergencies can occur when blood sugar is too high or too low. Low blood sugar is known as hypoglycaemia; high blood sugar is known as hyperglycaemia.
Signs & Symptoms of hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia has a fast onset of symptoms including:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Poor co-ordination
- Slurred speech
- Erratic behaviour.
Treatment
- If the casualty is conscious, give them glucose tablets to take. An alternative is to give them sweets (around 10 small sweets) or about 100ml of a sugary drink.
- If they don’t respond to this treatment, call 999/112.
- If the casualty is unconscious, open the airway, check for breathing and place in the recovery position. Call 999/112.
Signs & Symptoms of hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia causes a slow deterioration with symptoms of:
- Lethargy
- Thirst
- Hunger.
There may also be a sweet smell on the breath. Eventually, the casualty will lose consciousness.
Treatment
- Arrange for medical help.
- Be aware of signs that the casualty is losing consciousness. If unconscious, open the airway, check for breathing and place in recovery position. Call 999/112.
Medical Emergencies
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