16/09/2016 | First Aid Advice

Diabetes

Diabetes is the name for a condition suffered by a person whose body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin. Insulin reduces the amount of sugar in the blood. If diabetes goes untreated, sugar levels will climb dangerously high.

Insulin Dependent

Type 1

Produces little or no insulin so has to inject themselves with insulin in order to keep sugar levels controlled.

Diet Controlled

Type 2

Still produces insulin naturally, so can control the condition by reducing the amount of sugar that they eat.

	High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycaemia)	Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
Onset	Slow – 12-48 hours	Fast – 2minutes – 1 hour
Levels of Response	Slow deterioration Drowsy, lethargic behavior Unconsciousness if left untreated	Rapid deterioration Weakness, dizziness Confusion, memory loss Lack of co-ordination, slurred speech Bizzare, uncharacteristic, potentially violent Unconsciousness within an hour
Skin	Dry and warm	Pale, cold and sweaty
Breathing	Deep sighing breaths	Normal, or shallow and rapid
Pulse	Rapid	Rapid

So what can I do?

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycaemia):

Arrange for the person to attend A&E or a Doctor ASAP
If the casualty becomes unconscious, call 999

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia):

If they are conscious:

Give them a sugary drink and some carbohydrate based food, like a sandwich (it is important to not just give a quick boost, but also a long term boost)
If they have specialised ‘Glucose Gel’ assist them in taking it (rubbing into the gums and cheeks works well, rather than swallowing)
Stay with the casualty and let them rest
If there isn’t an improvement within 10-15 minutes consider calling 999
Think! Is there another cause of these symptoms?

If they are unconscious: