Diabetic emergencies
Low blood sugar (a hypo)
1
Think hypo if someone with diabetes suddenly becomes confused, drowsy or acts out of character.
2
Give sugar, if they're awake and can swallow: 15–20 g of glucose or dextrose tablets. Or sugary sweets, glucose gel, fruit juice or a sugary (non-diet) drink.
3
Wait 15 minutes.If they're no better, give sugar again.
4
Once they've recovered, encourage them to eat a light snack.
5
Call 999 if they are or become unresponsive, or don't improve. Don't give anything by mouth if they can't swallow.
Recognising a hypo
Shaky, sweaty, pale, anxious or tearful. Confused, with poor concentration. A fast heartbeat, tingling lips, blurred vision, hunger, tiredness or a headache.
High blood sugar
High blood sugar usually builds up slowly. It becomes an emergency when the body starts making ketones (DKA).
Call 999 if someone with diabetes has:
- Extreme thirst, and passing urine a lot
- Tummy pain, or feeling or being sick
- Breath that smells sweet or fruity, like pear drops
- Confusion or drowsiness, or loss of consciousness
These can come on faster in children.