Responding to Diabetic Emergencies
Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States today. People who are diabetic may suddenly become ill because there is too much or too little sugar in their blood—conditions known as hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. If left untreated, both conditions can result in life-threatening emergencies known as diabetic coma and insulin shock.
Although hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are different conditions, their major signs are similar and include:
- Changes in levels of consciousness, including dizziness, drowsiness and confusion;
- Irregular breathing;
- Abnormal pulse (rapid or weak); and
- Feeling or looking ill.
The basic care for both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia is also the same. First, check and care for any life-threatening emergencies. If the person is conscious, ask the person if he or she has diabetes or look for a medical alert tag. If the person tells you that he or she has diabetes and exhibits the symptoms above, then suspect a diabetic emergency.
If the conscious victim can take food or fluids, give him or her sugar. Most candy, fruit juices and non-diet soft drinks contain enough sugar to begin to reverse hypoglycemia. Common table sugar, either dry or dissolved in a glass of water, also works well to return the victim's blood sugar to an acceptable level. If the person's problem is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), the sugar you give will help quickly. If the person's blood sugar level is already too high (hyperglycemia), the additional sugar will do no further harm.
Often, a person who has diabetes will know what is wrong and will ask for something with sugar in it. He or she may carry a readily available source of sugar for such situations. If the person is conscious but does not feel better approximately five minutes after taking sugar, EMS personnel should be called immediately.
If the person is unconscious, call EMS personnel immediately. Do not give the victim anything by mouth. Instead, monitor signs of circulation and breathing and keep him or her from getting overheated or chilled.
To learn more about responding to diabetic emergencies and other sudden illnesses, enroll in an American Red Cross first aid course.
