How to Handle Diabetic Shock

Many diabetics use insulin to keep their blood sugar under control. As a result, diabetics have to carefully monitor how much insulin they use so they don't get their blood sugar too low---a condition known as hypoglycemia. If their blood sugar gets too low, they will go into "diabetic shock," in which case your goal should be to raise their blood sugar as quickly as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Sugar

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask the person if her blood sugar is low. In most cases, a diabetic has felt "low" blood sugar before and will be able to recognize the effects of low blood sugar. She may become withdrawn, or be unusually loud and aggressive.

• 2

  Check the pulse. In some cases, a person experiencing diabetic shock will start to act "goofy." Checking the person's pulse will let you know how serious the shock is. If the pulse is unusually weak or is going abnormally fast, the situation is more serious than if his pulse feels relatively normal.

• 3

  Give the patient some sugar. Some companies make glucose tablets for this purpose. Otherwise, get the patient something sugary, such as juice or a soda, or some candy. Do not force anything down the throat of an unconscious person.

• 4

  Call the paramedics. If the diabetic loses consciousness or if her pulse is very rapid and shallow, call the paramedics. You should also note the time that you found her, as the paramedics will want to know this information.

• 5

  Administer glucagon or IV glucose. If the diabetic has an IV glucose or glucagon kit, you can attempt to give him an injection. Keep in mind that glucagon is usually only given for serious cases of shock, so only use it if you feel comfortable giving an injection and it is an emergency.