Diabetic emergencies can be incredibly frightening and, if not addressed quickly, can be potentially life-threatening. This article will provide an overview of the signs and symptoms of diabetic emergencies, advice on how to assess the situation, and guidance on what first aid to administer.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes Emergencies
Most diabetic emergencies are related to either hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include confusion, dizziness or fainting, headaches, intense hunger, irritability, paleness, shakiness, sweating, weakness, or a feeling of being “jittery” or anxious.
Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia include extreme thirst, dry mouth, blurred vision, feeling tired, drowsiness, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, or weight loss.
In some cases, if hypo- or hyperglycemia is left untreated, it may progress to a state called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). Symptoms of DKA include abdominal pain, confusion, fast breathing, nausea and vomiting, and a sweet, fruity-smelling breath. Symptoms of HHS include confusion, extreme thirst and urination, nausea, and severe dehydration.
Assessing the Situation
When someone experiences symptoms related to a diabetic emergency, it’s important to assess the situation quickly. In the case of hypoglycemia, it’s important to rule out any other medical conditions or issues that may be causing the symptoms. The best way to do this is to have the individual check their blood sugar. If their blood sugar is low, then the individual is likely experiencing a hypoglycemic episode and needs help.
If the individual’s blood sugar is high, then the cause could be related to a number of things, including too much insulin or not enough carbohydrates in the diet. It’s important to ask the person about any recent changes in their diet or insulin regimen to help determine the cause of the high blood sugar.
First Aid for Diabetic Emergencies
The goal of first aid for a diabetic emergency is to quickly and safely stabilize the individual’s blood sugar level.
For Hypoglycemia
In the case of hypoglycemia, the primary treatment is the administration of glucose or sugar. This can be done in a number of ways. The most common way is to administer sugar in the form of special tablets, or in a sugary beverage such as juice or soda. It’s important to make sure the individual has consumed enough sugar to raise their blood sugar level but not too much, which could lead to hyperglycemia. An individual’s response to sugar can vary greatly, so checking their blood sugar level after 15 minutes is important to ensure their level has returned to a safe range.
It’s also important to ensure the individual is not experiencing a prolonged hypoglycemic episode, which can be dangerous and potentially fatal. If they are, they should seek medical attention immediately.
For Hyperglycemia
In the case of hyperglycemia, the primary treatment is the administration of insulin to lower blood sugar. If the source of the hyperglycemia is related to too much insulin or not enough carbohydrates in the diet, then this approach is not recommended.
It’s important to note that, if an individual’s blood sugar is dangerously high and refuses medical treatment or cannot check their blood sugar level, then it might be necessary to administer an insulin injection. The dosage of the insulin should always be based on the individual’s body weight, and the injection should only be done if absolutely necessary and with the supervision of a medical professional.
Conclusion
Diabetic emergencies can be incredibly frightening experiences and, if not addressed quickly, can be potentially life-threatening. This article has provided an overview of the signs and symptoms of diabetic emergencies, advice on how to assess the situation, and guidelines on what first aid to administer. With the right action and quick response, a diabetic emergency can be successfully managed.