First aid advice for diabetic emergencies
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term medical condition in which the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas (an organ located behind the stomach) that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels.
What are the two types of diabetic emergencies?
In people with diabetes, blood sugar levels may rise too high (hyperglycaemia) or drop too low (hypoglycaemia). Either situation can become serious and may require urgent medical attention. There are two main types: Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes, where the body cannot produce insulin, and Type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, where the body cannot use insulin effectively.
What are the signs that someone has diabetes?
Signs that someone may have diabetes include wearing a medical warning bracelet or necklace, carrying glucose gel or tablets, or having medication such as an insulin pen, a special pump, tablets, or a glucose testing kit.
Hyperglycaemia
What is Hyperglycaemia?
High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) occurs when the blood sugar level is higher than normal. It can happen in a person with diabetes who has not taken the correct dose of medication, has eaten too much sugary or starchy food, or is unwell with an infection.
What are the symptoms of hyperglycaemia?
Symptoms may include warm, dry skin, a rapid pulse and breathing, fruity or sweet-smelling breath, excessive thirst, and drowsiness that can progress to unresponsiveness, also known as a diabetic coma. A person experiencing hyperglycaemia may also be wearing medical warning jewellery or carrying medication.
In case of hyperglycaemia, the following steps should be taken:
Step 1 – Call 999/112
If you suspect hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), they need urgent treatment. Call 999/112 for emergency help and say that you suspect hyperglycaemia. They may be wearing a medical bracelet or medallion, or have a card on them which can alert you to their condition.
Step 2 – Monitor
While you wait for help to arrive, keep checking their breathing, pulse and whether they respond to you. If they become unresponsive at any point, open their airway, check their breathing and prepare to start CPR.
Hypoglycaemia
What is Hypoglycaemia?
This is where the blood sugar level is lower than normal. It can be caused by an imbalance between the level of insulin and the level of glucose in the blood. Someone with diabetes may recognise the onset of a hypoglycaemic episode.
What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia?
Symptoms can include weakness, faintness, or hunger, confusion and irrational behaviour, sweating with cold, clammy skin, rapid pulse and palpitations, trembling or shaking and a deteriorating level of response. A person experiencing hypoglycaemia may also be wearing medical warning jewellery or carrying medication.
In the case of hypoglycaemia, the following steps should be taken:
Step 1 – Glucose tablets or sugar
If you suspect hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), help the person to sit down. If they have their own glucose gel or glucose tablets, help them take it. If not, give them something sugary, such as a 150ml glass of fruit juice or non-diet fizzy drink; three teaspoons of sugar or sugar lumps; or three sweets such as jelly babies.
Step 2 – Rest
If they improve quickly, give them more of the sugary food or drink and let them rest. If they have their blood glucose testing kit with them, help them use it to check their blood sugar level. Stay with them until they feel completely better.
Step 3 – Escalate if needed
If they do not improve quickly, look for any other reason why they could be unwell and call 999 or 112 for emergency help. Keep monitoring their breathing and level of response while waiting for help to arrive.
Step 4 – CPR if needed
If they are not fully alert, don’t try to give them something to eat or drink as they may choke. If they become unresponsive at any point, open their airway, check their breathing, and prepare to give CPR.
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