Information about Type I and Type II diabetes and the signs and symptoms of an individual experiencing a diabetic emergency. Including the proper first aid to administer.
What would you do in the case of a diabetic emergency? Would you know the signs and symptoms of someone in this condition? Do you know the proper first aid to administer to a person having complications to this medical problem?
If the answer is ¡§no¡¨ then take a minute to familiarize yourself with some very import information concerning diabetes in an effort to be forearmed should you find yourself in the midst of a diabetic emergency.
First, let¡¦s learn a little about this medical condition.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. This hormone assists the body in using the energy from food. Insulin takes sugar from the blood and then carries it into the cells to be used. When excess sugar remains in the blood and is not transferred to the cells, they must rely on fat for fuel. Since blood sugar is a major source of fuel used by the body, when it cannot be used it will build up in the blood. The blood sugar then overflows into the urine, passing through the body unused and discarded.
When this medical scenario occurs, a condition called diabetes develops. In short, diabetes is the name of the condition, which occurs when insulin is either ineffective or lacking in the body. Diabetes is not contagious and in most cases special diet and/or medication can control it.
There are two types of diabetes. Type I diabetes is referred to as juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes. This type of diabetes requires external insulin, which enables the sugar to enter the cells. Eternal insulin is necessary in this case, because the body is unable to produce the insulin the cells require. When a person with type I diabetes is deprived of external insulin they will become very ill.
The condition of low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. This condition occurs in a diabetic for several reasons. Too much or too little insulin or delayed food, alcohol, exercise or any combination of these factors may cause hypoglycemia.
Here is a list of signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and insulin reaction that would signify a diabetic emergency warranting first aid, offered by the American Diabetes Association.
- sudden onset
- staggering, poor coordination
- anger, bad temper
- pale color
- confusion, disorientation
- sudden hunger
- excessive sweating
- trembling
- eventual unconsciousness
The best course of action if all of the above symptoms were present, would be to administer sugar to the victim in a diabetic emergency.
If the victim is a known diabetic, their mental status is altered and the victim is conscious enough to swallow, give the individual in distress some form of food containing sugar. A soda, fruit juice, milk or any type of candy would be sufficient. If the victim¡¦s status does not improve within 15 minutes, you should transport them to the hospital for emergency medical care.
Type II diabetes is commonly known as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Individuals with type II diabetes are often times overweight and are not dependent on external insulin to allow sugar into the cells. Should the insulin level become too low in a person with type II diabetes, the lack of sugar in the cells causes the cells to increase their sugar production. In turn the sugar in the blood rises to very high levels. This action then causes glucose to overflow into the urine, drawing fluid with it and resulting in dehydration.
The opposite reaction or diabetic emergency to hypoglycemia, is call hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia occurs when a diabetic has too much sugar in their blood. There are several scenarios¡¦ that can cause this medical condition. Insufficient insulin, overeating, illness, inactivity or stress may promote hyperglycemia. Any combination of these factors could also cause a reaction in a diabetic.
Again, the American Diabetes Association offers this list of signs and symptoms warranting first aid in the case of a diabetic emergency involving hyperglycemia and diabetic coma.
- gradual onset
- drowsiness
- extreme thirst
- very frequent urination
- flushed skin
- vomiting
- fruity breath odor
- heavy breathing
- eventual unconsciousness
Again, if the victim is conscious and able to swallow and you are unsure whether they are suffering from a high or low blood-sugar level administer a beverage or food containing sugar. If there is no improvement in the victim¡¦s condition within 15 minutes, transport them to the hospital for emergency medical attention.
In any case where the victim is or becomes unconscious get them to the hospital immediately. In all cases, seek medical attention following a diabetic episode and advise the victim¡¦s physician of the incident.
Diabetes is a serious medical condition contracted by millions of Americans. It can be controlled in many cases by changes in life-style. To learn more about diabetes, contact the American Diabetes Association or visit your local library or bookstore.
