Diabetic Emergencies

First Aid

Diabetes Mellitus High levels of

sugar in the blood. Sugar is the main

source of energy that we use in our bodies.

This disease affect millions of Americans every year.

Diabetes Classification

Diabetes type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Gestational Diabetes Diabetes Miscellaneous

Diabetes Symptoms Excessive Thirst Frequent

urination Excessive hunger Weight loss Fatigue Itching of the skin Etc.

Diabetes Emergencies

Hypoglycemia Diabetic Ketoacidosis Hyperosmolar Coma

WHO IS AT RISK? When diabetes is

poorly controlled, emergency conditions can arise quickly that require immediate treatment.

HOW TO KNOW IF A PERSON SUFFER OF DIABETES? People with

diabetes should wear or carry I.D. information (such as an alert bracelet) that emergency medical staff can find.

HOW TO KNOW IF A PERSON SUFFER OF DIABETES? In addition,

people with diabetes should always carry a sugar source, such as glucose tablets or raisins.

Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Weak Drowsy Confused Hungry Dizzy Paleness Trembling Sweating

Hypoglycemia

Symptoms Headache Irritability Rapid heartbeat Cold clammy feeling Loss of consciousness coma

WHAT TO DO?

First: Check Call Care

WHAT TO DO?

Then: Rapid ABC Assessment

Is the patient’s airway patent?

Is the patient’s breathing effective?

Is the patient’s circulation effective?

What to do? (conscious victim)

Looking for the signs and symptoms listed above will help to distinguish the two diabetic emergencies. In addition, if the patient is conscious, you can ask two very important questions which will help determine the nature of the problem:

"HAVE YOU EATEN TODAY?"

Someone who has eaten, but has not taken prescribed medication may be in a

diabetic coma.

"HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR MEDICATION TODAY?"

Someone who has not eaten, but did take their medication,

may be having HYPOGLYCEMIA.

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIABETIC EMERGENCIES CAN BE DIFFICULT.

A PERSON IN INSULIN SHOCK NEEDS SUGAR, QUICKLY! IF THE PERSON IS CONSCIOUS, GIVE SUGAR IN ANY FORM: CANDY, FRUIT JUICE OR A SOFT DRINK!

SUGAR GIVEN TO A PERSON IN INSULIN SHOCK CAN BE LIFE-SAVING! IF THE PERSON IS SUFFERING FROM DIABETIC COMA, THE SUGAR IS NOT REQUIRED BUT WILL NOT CAUSE THEM FURTHER HARM.

REMEMBER

DO NOT do give nothing by mouth if the victim is unconscious.

Illness Information When did the symptoms begin? Does the patient take diabetic

medications? Did anything cause the symptoms, eg,

vomiting, inability to eat, no available medications, overdose of insulin or hypoglycemic agents?

Has any treatment been initiated and has it helped?

When was the last finger-stick blood sugar and what was the result?

Illness Information Has the patient had similar problems before? Does the patient have any pertinent past

history? Does the patient take any routine medications? Does the patient have allergies to drugs or

foods? When was the patient’s last tetanus

immunization? If the patient is female and between the ages

of 12 to 50 years, when was the first day of her last menstrual period?

ThanksThanks