In general, all medical emergencies relating to diabetes mellitus have to do with blood sugar levels. Diabetes mellitus, known more generally just as diabetes, is a disorder in which the body is either unable to produce sufficient insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, or has become less sensitive to insulin levels. As a result, most diabetics have difficulty controlling their blood sugar.
Very high blood sugar is known as hyperglycemia and is usually caused by too little insulin. Very low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia and can be a result of either not having eaten in awhile or by having an accidental insulin overdose. Despite their radically different nature, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia have very similar symptoms, including dizziness, confusion or drowsiness, an elevated pulse and breathing rate, and cold sweats.
In general, if a diabetic person experiences these symptoms, it is best to assume that his blood sugar is low and to give him something to eat, preferably something with a high content of simple sugars (such as juice). If his blood sugar is too high, this extra sugar won't hurt , but it may ease the symptoms of low blood sugar. The person should be taken to a hospital if the symptoms are serious or begin to worsen, where her blood sugar can be quickly checked and the cause of the abnormality can be determined and corrected.
If medical attention is not immediately available, hypoglycemia is best treated with glucose tablets or other sugary substances, such as cake frosting. In the event that a diabetic is found unconscious, it may be difficult to tell immediately if it is due to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. One quick way to test for hyperglycemia is to smell the person's breath: If there is a fruity smelling odor, or if he has recently vomited, he may be suffering from hyperglycemia. If he has insulin shots nearby, you should give him one, and also try to give him plenty of water. If a person complains of dizziness or double vision right before passing out, it could be hypoglycemia and she should be given sugar as rapidly as possible.
Diabetes Emergency Care
Nov 18, 2009 | By
