Attributed to genetics and the lifestyles that we lead, diabetes has become a common problem that is known in many households. This condition gets t affect an individual’s blood sugar levels. It can get extremely serious if the sugar level drops too low or rises too high. In this article, we get to explain the steps and procedures that one can follow in case there is an emergency that is diabetes related.
What is diabetes emergency?
Many people could find it very difficult to determine the cases that pass as true diabetes emergencies. Most of these people get to panic and call for ambulances in cases that can be resolved even without involving the professionals. Mild hypoglycemia is an example of the cases that take simple home remedies to solve. However, it should not be taken that hypoglycemia cannot pose any dangers. It sometimes comes with vomiting, fits and unconsciousness. If these take place, especially in the absence of another person who can help out, the individual stands high chances of getting hurt or even dying.
In the event that an individual has very high or very low sugar levels, then an ambulance will be needed to take the person to the emergency room as well as offer emergency treatment. Most people that live with any form of diabetes do have the knowledge and skills to manage the condition effectively thereby lowering the chances of having diabetes emergencies.
[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jWIhylpwlM”]Symptoms of Diabetes emergencies.
Listed are some of the signs that may indicate possibilities of diabetes emergencies. One may not display all of these signs, or a combination of them, however any sign should be taken very seriously and addressed promptly.
- Severe thirst
- Loss of concentration and extreme tiredness
- Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
First aid for diabetes emergencies.
The first thing to do is to check if the person is conscious or not. If the person is unconscious, an ambulance needs to be called immediately. People living with diabetes need to have emergency numbers with them at all times. This information should also be shared with the people that live around them.
If the person is unconscious and shows conditions that could be life threatening, the person should be made to lie on a flat surface. Then his circulation, breathing and pulse are checked for any irregularities or absence. CPR should be commenced while waiting for the emergency medical team.
In a case where the victim is conscious and can assist with the situation, they should be given sugar to help balance the levels or administer the medications that they could have for this condition. Again, diabetes sufferers need t have their medications with them or within reach at all times to help in case of an emergency. The person administering the first aid should find out if the person has the medication with them.
If the victim shows signs of confusion and disorientation, they should be given food to eat a drink and then rushed to the hospital or medical attention of any kind is sought.