Recognising and Dealing with Diabetes

Hyperglycaemia is the condition that occurs if diabetes has not been treated effectively with the methods mentioned above.

The sugar levels in the blood become higher and acids build up. The signs and symptoms are a direct result of the body trying to excrete this acid build up.

Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

• Onset – Slow, between 12 to 48 hours.
• Levels of Response – Deteriorate slowly during the onset. Drowsy, lethargic behaviour. Unconsciousness if the condition is left untreated.
• Skin – Dry and warm.
• Breathing – Deep sighing breaths.
• Pulse – Rapid.
• Other Symptoms – Excessive unrination, excessive thirst, hunger and fruity odour on the breath.

Low Blood Sugar – (hypoglycaemia)

Low blood sugar occurs mainly with diabetic patients who are insulin dependent, because the level of insulin in the body is now a ‘fixed’ amount because it is injected.
Because the patient has injected this ‘fixed’ amount of insulin, they have to balance it with the amount of food that they eat.

The blood sugar levels will fall low if:

• The patient does not eat enough food.
• The patient over exercises (burning off sugar).
• The patient injects too much insulin.

Why is low blood sugar dangerous?

Unlike other cells in the body, the brain can only use glucose (sugar) as its source of energy. If the sugar in the blood becomes low therefore, the brain cells are literally starved.
The signs and symptoms of low blood sugar are a result of the hungry brain cells becoming disordered, and the release of adrenaline that the disorder in the brain causes.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar

• Onset – Fast – 2 minutes to 1 hours.
• Levels of Response – Deteriorate rapidly, weakness, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, lack of coordination, slurred speech, bizarre, uncharacteristic, uncooperative, possible violent behaviour, unconsciousness within one hour.
• Skin – Pale, cold and sweaty.
• Breathing – Normal, or shallow and rapid.
• Pulse – Rapid.
• Other Symptoms – The signs and symptoms can be confused with drunkeness.

Treatment of high blood sugar

• Arrange for the patient to see a doctor as soon as possible.
• If the patient becomes unconscious, maintain Airway and Breathing, and dial 999 for an ambulance.

Treatment of low blood sugar

For a conscious casualty.

• Sit the casualty down.
• Give the casualty a sugary drink (isotonic sports drinks are best), sugar lumps, glucose tablets, chocolate, or other sweet foods.
• If the casualty responds to treatment quickly, give them more food or drink.
• Stay with the casualty and let them rest until the level of response is ‘fully alert’.
• Tell the patient to see their doctor – even though they have fully recovered.
• If the patient does not respond to treatment within 10 minutes, or they are unmanageable, dial 999 for an ambulance.
• Consider if there is another cause for the patient’s symptoms.

For an unconscious casualty.

• Open the Airway and check for Breathing.
• Resuscitate as necessary.
• Place the casualty in the recovery position if they are breathing effectively.
• Dial 999 for an ambulance.

DO NOT attempt to give the casualty anything to eat or drink if they become unconscious.