First Aid Treatment For Diabetic Problems

Low Blood Sugar - Insulin Shock, insulin reaction or hypoglycaemia
High Blood Sugar - Diabetic coma, diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycaemia

Important Information
• An insulin reaction occurs when a person with diabetes receives too much insulin, does not get enough sugar from food or engages in strenuous exercise that quickly decreases the blood sugar levels
• Patients' suffering from low blood sugar may appear pale, have moist skin and sweat excessively
• Patient's may complain of a headache and dizziness and be irritable and confused
• Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) occurs when a person with diabetes does not have enough insulin to control rising blood sugar levels
• Early symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst and frequent urination; Advanced signs and symptoms include drowsiness and confusion, rapid weak pulse and rapid breathing with a fruity odour on their breath; The patient may also have nausea, vomiting and abdominal pains; Treat advanced cases as a medical emergency
• Never give a patient insulin or medication - even if the patient asks for it; When in doubt, always provide the patient with a small snack, meal, sugar, fruit juice, soda or candy
• Sugar is crucial for low blood sugar and won't cause significant harm to a patient with high blood sugar

Patient Care for Low Blood Sugar
STOP - Assess and observe the scene;
THINK - Consider your safety and form action plan
ACT - Check responsiveness, look for a medical alert tag and Alert EMS
Perform a primary assessment and monitor the patient's Cycle of Care - AB-CABS
For an unresponsive patient, manage shock until EMS arrives
For a responsive patient, conduct an illness assessment and quickly provide the patient with a small snack or meal for sustained relief
If sugar, fruit juice, soda or candy are available they can help when nothing else is available
Continue to support the patient until signs and symptoms subside - approximately 15 minutes
If the patient does not improve, transport them to the nearest medical facility

Patient Care for High Blood Sugar
STOP - Assess and observe the scene;
THINK - Consider your safety and form action plan
ACT - Check responsiveness, look for a medical alert tag and Alert EMS
Perform a primary assessment and monitor the patient's Cycle of Care - AB-CABS
For an unresponsive patient, manage shock until EMS arrives; If in doubt as to whether the patient has high blood sugar or low blood sugar, always provide the patient with a small snack or meal
For a responsive patient, conduct an illness assessment and monitor the patient's Cycle of Care until EMS arrives

First Aid Advice & Information for Diabetic Problems is for guidance only - Click Here to get Trained in CPR & First Aid