Diabetes - First Aid Treatment
Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from the digestion of carbohydrate containing food and drinks and is also produced by the liver. Carbohydrate comes from many different sources including starchy foods such as bread, potatoes and chapattis, fruit, dairy products, sugar and other sweet foods.
Insulin is vital for life. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas and helps the glucose to enter the cells where is used as fuel for energy so we can work, play and generally live our lives.
Symptoms
- Altered level of consciousness
- Personality changes
- Irritability
- Wekkeness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty Breathing
- Cool, clammy skin
- Coma
Type 1 Diabetes - Results from the body's failure to produce insulin and usually requires the person to monitor their sugar levels daily and inject with insulin to control their condition. Type 1 represents 10 percent of sufferers
Type 2 Diabetes - Is a condition where the cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes this is combined with an insulin deficiency. Type 2 is the more common form and can affect sufferers in later life. It is controlled by diet and or drugs.
What to do
Hyperglycemia - Activate EMS If unconscious - place patient in the recovery position Monitor ABCs
Hypoglycemia - Sit the patient down Give them a sugary drink or sweet food Monitor and reassure Activate EMS if problem persists If unconscious place patient in the recovery position Monitor ABCs
There are currently over 2.5 million people with diabetes in the UK and there are more than half a million people with diabetes who have the condition and don't know it
The more quickly you identify that someone is having a Diabetes and the sooner they receive medical treatment, the more of the brain can be saved, allowing the patient to have a much fuller recovery.
A Diabetes can happen with no obvious cause, to people of any age but there are factors know to increase the likelihood of it happening.
Some of these factors are things that can't be changed, others may be reduced by lifestyle changes or medication.
What not to do
Do not give them insulin or other medications.
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