Diabetic Emergencies

Typical diabetes symptoms are described on other pages of this website. The purpose of this page is to help you recognize and treat a diabetic emergency.

Diabetes can kill. You need to be aware of this and know what to do if you suddenly find yourself confronted by a person who is at risk. It may be a member of your immediate family.

A diabetic emergency is likely to arise from either too much or too little insulin in the blood, resulting in a number of typical symptoms that may end, if untreated, in loss of consciousness, coma and finally death.

There are two types of diabetic emergency: very low blood sugar levels – hypoglycemia – caused by too much insulin in the blood; and very high levels – hyperglycemia – caused by too little.

You do not need to be able to differentiate between the two, since the initial treatment for one is unlikely to affect the other; but you do need to recognize the emergency when you see it and get immediate medical help if necessary. This is vital if the casualty is, or becomes, unconscious.

People who are insulin dependent will nearly always be aware of their condition and you should assist them as necessary. If medical assistance is required but delayed, and the casualty is conscious, encourage him or her to drink sugar free fluids.

Be aware that a major symptom of an insulin dependent diabetic attack is breath smelling like nail polish (acetone). This will usually be accompanied by excessive thirst, a hot dry skin and a rapid pulse.

The most common emergency is hypoglycemia and because it has a gradual onset you may be witnessing the very first attack. It is important to understand that the casualty may not even be aware of having the condition. Here’s what to look for:

· Patient feels, dizzy, weak and is trembling
· Patient looks pale and has a weak pulse
· Profuse sweating
· Numbness around the lips and fingers
· Patient becomes confused or aggressive
· Loss of consciousness

Treat any of these symptoms seriously and give the patient a sweet (sugar-containing) drink, glucose or just plain sugar. Don’t use diet drinks and try to avoid chocolate or similar foods. Generally speaking a cup of sweet tea and a sandwich is as good as anything else.

Recovery will usually be quite rapid. If it is not, medical assistance is urgently required. You may need to impress that point on the casualty. Most people find it hard to believe that what they have experienced in a mild form from time to time in the past may, on this occasion, have fatal consequences if left untreated.