Emergency First Aid Advice
Diabetic Coma
Diabetic coma
also known as hyperglycaemia, is a condition in which the body does not have enough insulin and has too much sugar. Causes include stress, not enough insulin injections, and eating too much sugar.
Signs and symptoms of diabetic coma include:
1. Fruity odour on breath and very thirsty.
2. Dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.
3. Rapid, weak pulse and rapid breathing.
4. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
If you suspect diabetic coma, do the following:
1. Establish and maintain the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
2. Lay casualty flat, slightly elevating the head and shoulders.
3. Do not give the casualty candy or soft drinks.
4. Treat for shock.
Request medical assistance immediately.
Insulin Shock
Insulin shock, also known as hypoglycaemia, is a condition in which the body does not have enough sugar and has too much insulin. Causes include skipping meals, too much insulin, strenuous exercise, and changes in diet.
Signs and symptoms of insulin shock include:
1. Headache, dizziness, and irritability.
2. Pale, moist skin, and excessive sweating.
3. Muscle weakness, hunger, and normal to rapid pulse.
If you suspect insulin shock, do the following:
1. Ask casualty or family member these two questions.
a. Has the casualty eaten today?
b. Has the casualty taken his or her insulin?
If the answer is "yes" to the first question and "no" to the second, the casualty is probably in a diabetic coma.
2. Establish and maintain the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC's).
3. Lay casualty flat, slightly elevating the head and shoulders.
4. Give the conscious casualty candy or soft drinks to increase blood sugar level.
5. Treat for shock
Request medical assistance immediately