Diabetic Emergencies

Most diabetic patient adequately manage the disease and maintain stable blood sugar levels. However there is a condition where diabetic person can not control himself because of severe illness or suddenly bad condition because of uncontrolled treatment. Therefore first aid skill is needed to help for their life.

There is a condition in which the onset of diabetic coma from insufficient insulin, leaving cells unable to absorb glucose from the blood, is usually gradual and therefore unlikely to reach crisis stage. Blood sugar levels elevate as the condition progresses, leading to sever hyperglycemia. Early symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

• Thirst
• Frequent urination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Ultimately coma

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be occurred because of taking too much insulin, skipping food, or excessive stress, exercise, or alcohol consumption. It can develop more rapidly and usually without warning, except the victim is usually aware that he or she is diabetic. The symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Pale, cold, and moist skin
• Rapid pulse
• Headache
• Poor coordination
• Shakes or trembling
• Changes in behavior or mood
• Seizures
• Eventual coma

First Aid Actions:
The treatment of a person with low blood sugar is simple and quickly effective if initiated soon enough. Give the victim any food or ding that contains sugar, including soda, fruit juices, ice cream, candy bars, or spoonfuls of table sugar dissolved in water. If he or she loses consciousness, place sugar, cake icing, or similar under his or her tongue.

Be aware to not let a recovering victim resume normal activity too quickly. He or she should rest and should be allowed to eat some food that will provide a longer-acting release of sugars into the blood.