Understanding Diabetic Emergencies: What You Need to Know

Diabetic emergencies can be very alarming. However, being alert to what they are and how to deal with them makes it a lot easier for diabetic people to adjust their blood sugar levels. Diabetic emergencies are divided into four main types. To know why they happen, and what you should do when they happen:

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycemia is a condition of very low blood sugar. It arises when a person with diabetes intakes too much insulin, slips a meal, or exercises energetically. The signs to be accessible thus are confusion, sweating, shakiness, and irritability.

What To Do:

If you are doubtful someone has hypoglycemia, act fast. For example, if conscious, give the person a fast-acting carbohydrate like juice, glucose tablets, or candy. Additionally, monitor their blood glucose repeatedly to confirm their levels come back up into a normal range. If a person does not recover within 15 minutes, or if they become unconscious, call 911 or other diabetic emergency services instantly.

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)

Hyperglycemia is a condition that happens when your blood glucose is too high. This can be produced by eating too much, missing insulin doses, or being ill. Thirst, fatigue, and frequent urination could be consequences.

What to Do:

If a person has hyperglycemia, monitor their blood glucose level. Then, give insulin as required and give water. If the warning sign last or if the blood glucose levels are very high then seek out medical advice instantly.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe condition. It particularly happens in those with type 1 diabetes. This occurs when the body twitches to break down fats for energy as an alternative to glucose. In association with this, it starts collecting ketones. Thus, its indications are vomiting and nausea, fruity-smelling breath, and abdominal pain.

What to Do:

DKA denotes a medical emergency. That means you should call a healthcare provider or go to an emergency room right away. Treatment generally involves intravenous fluids and insulin. Fluids help rehydrate; insulin helps decrease blood glucose levels and rebalance.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)

On the other hand, HHS is another serious condition more prevalent among people with type 2 diabetes. This happens because blood sugar has become so high without having ketones in the blood. It causes confusion, blurred vision, and severe dehydration.

What to Do:

Like DKA, HHS requires emergency medical treatment as well. Thus, take the person to a hospital or any other healthcare facility as soon as possible. The treatment generally involves hydration accompanied by insulin to balance the sugar level of the blood.

Preventing Diabetic Emergencies

Screening your blood sugar levels as frequently as possible is the key to avoiding a diabetic emergency. Also, follow your doctor’s advice about medication, exercise, and diet. Be ready with some type of plan in place and know how to practice it if an emergency arises.

Conclusion:

Conclusively, in most aspects, diabetic emergencies are quite alarming. Knowing well about them and what to do in these circumstances can assist in better managing such emergencies. Stay up-to-date and in touch with your health provider will let you practice good health practices, reducing risks as far as possible.