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Diabetic Emergency Symptoms

Diabetes, or high blood sugar, has become one of the leading health concerns in the United States. Chances are strong that you already know someone who has a form of diabetes or that you may unexpectedly encounter someone having a diabetic emergency. Here are the symptoms you should recognize, as well as some facts about diabetes so that you can respond quickly and properly in a diabetic emergency.

  1. Type-1 Diabetes

    • Type-1 diabetes is also called juvenile diabetes. This is usually diagnosed early in life and means that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps balance glucose, or blood-sugar, levels. Persons with type-1 diabetes must take in insulin for the rest of their lives.

    Type-2 Diabetes

    • Type-2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, is not insulin dependent. It develops later in life and is the more common type diagnosed. The pancreas is not processing the insulin well or has built a resistance to it. This causes glucose to build up in the blood.
      If you are in a diabetic emergency, it is good to know which type the diabetic has. If they are not responsive to you, they may have an emergency medical bracelet stating their condition.

    Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

    • Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar. If a diabetic exhibits these symptoms, he should receive professional care as soon as possible: extreme thirst; increased urination; vomiting or nausea; abdomen pain; rapid, weak pulse; deep, rapid breathing; fruity, sweet smelling breath; loss of consciousness.

    Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

    • Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. If a diabetic's sugar levels fall, she may exhibit these symptoms: weakness or trembling (also called "the shakes"); profuse sweating; shallow breath; dizziness or double vision; confusion or sudden drowsiness; pallid skin; sudden headache; convulsions or a sudden loss of consciousness.

    Emergency Treatment of Hypoglycemia

    • If the diabetic is conscious, the first thing to do is raise the blood sugar level. Have him sit down, and if glucose tablets are available, administer 3 or 4 with water. If not, substitute with one of these choices: 1/2 cup of fruit juice; 1/2 cup non-diet soda; 1 cup of milk; tbsp.sugar or honey; 4 to 5 pieces of hard candy; or a piece of fruit. After this, the diabetic should relax and check his blood sugar levels to see if they are at least above 70. If the diabetic does not show signs of improvement, seek professional help.

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