Is hypoglycemia a diabetic emergency?
The diabetic emergencies diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) and hypoglycemia represent severe and potentially life-threatening complications of diabetes mellitus that require prompt diagnostics and treatment.
What would you do if a diabetic was having a hypoglycemic emergency?
If a person experiencing hypoglycemia becomes unconscious, turn them on their side and deliver a glucagon shot. According to the ADA, the person should come round within 15 minutes. If they do not, they will need immediate medical attention, so call 911.
Should I wear a medical alert bracelet for hypoglycemia?
The ADA recommends that all people with diabetes wear a diabetes medical ID bracelet. If you’re taking diabetes medication that can lower your blood sugar and cause hypoglycemia, it’s especially important that you wear one. Hypoglycemia can be dangerous if you don’t treat it right away.
What blood sugar level is considered an emergency?
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS) HHS isn’t as common as DKA, but it’s more dangerous. It’s a complication of type 2 diabetes with very high blood sugar — over 600 mg/dL — but no or very few ketones.
What helps hypoglycemia immediately?
Immediate hypoglycemia treatment
- Eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. These are sugary foods or drinks without protein or fat that are easily converted to sugar in the body.
- Recheck blood sugar levels 15 minutes after treatment.
- Have a snack or meal.
What do you do in a diabetic emergency?
Learn first aid for someone who is having a diabetic emergency
- Give them something sweet to eat or a non-diet drink. If someone has a diabetic emergency, their blood sugar levels can become too low. This can make them collapse.
- Reassure the person. Most people will gradually improve, but if in doubt, call 999.
What is the 15 15 rule in diabetes?
The 15-15 rule—have 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise your blood sugar and check it after 15 minutes. If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL. Once your blood sugar is back to normal, eat a meal or snack to make sure it doesn’t lower again.