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"Diabetes
mellitus - a complex disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism that
is primarily a result of a deficiency or complete lack of insulin secretion by
the beta cells of the pancreas or of defects of the insulin receptors." (Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied
Health Dictionary, Mosby, 1998)
The basic unit of energy for the body and the brain is glucose, which is
made available through the metabolism of the foods we eat. Glucose is released into the blood
stream so that it is available to the cells of the body. In order for glucose to pass from the
bloodstream into the cells, insulin is needed. With too little insulin in the body, not all of the glucose
is able to be used and remains in the blood stream. This means that the cells of the body are not receiving the
energy source they need to maintain their functions The increased glucose in the blood also damages the blood
vessels as well. As a result of
the decreased insulin production, diabetics are required to alter their diets
to reduce the amount of glucose taken into the body and also to take additional
insulin either orally or by injection.
Most diabetics are careful to balance these two items but mistakes can
happen and two conditions can result, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Below you will find information on
these two conditions and what you can do to help. Again, this is NOT a substitute for formal hands-on training, but for
information.
h
Hypoglycemia - too little glucose in the blood
·
Diabetic has taken too much insulin
·
Diabetic has not eaten enough
·
Diabetic has overexercised/overexerted themselves, reducing
blood glucose levels
·
Diabetic has vomited a meal
h
Signs/Symptoms
·
Rapid onset, over a period of minutes
·
Dizziness/headache
·
Abnormal hostile/aggressive behavior
·
Fainting/seizures/coma
·
Rapid pulse
·
Intense hunger
·
Cold, clammy skin
·
Profuse sweating
·
Copious saliva/drooling
h
Emergency Care
·
Conscious person
o
Give granular sugar, honey, hard candy, orange juice
o
Monitor to see if further assistance is needed
·
Unconscious person
o
Activate EMS system, call for medical assistance
o
Avoid giving liquids
o
May place small pinch of granular sugar under tongue (you can
also make a slurry/paste of sugar by combining sugar packets with small amount
of water and placing a small amount under the tongue or rubbing it along the
gums/cheeks of the patient)
o
Place in recovery position
h
Hyperglycemia - too much glucose in the blood
·
Undiagnosed diabetic
·
Diabetic has not taken their insulin
·
Diabetic has overeaten
·
Diabetic has an infection that has altered the normal
glucose/insulin balance
h
Signs/Symptoms
·
Gradual onset, over a period of days
·
Complaint of dry mouth/intense thirst
·
May appear intoxicated
·
Abdominal pain/vomiting
·
Increasing restlessness, confusion, followed by stupor.
·
Coma, with these signs
o
Deep, sighing respirations
o
Weak, rapid pulse
o
Warm, red, dry skin
o
Eyes that appear sunken
o
Breath smells of acetone - sickly sweet, like nail polish
remover
h
Emergency Care
·
Activate EMS system, call for medical assistance