How to treat Diabetes
Symptoms and signs – Not all may be present
IF THE PATIENT IS CONSCIOUS: Support the patient on their side and call 000 for an ambulance.
IF CONSCIOUS, GIVE THE PATIENT SOME SUGAR: If the patient is still fully conscious and able to swallow, give a sweetened drink, chocolate or glucose sweets to suck – an improvement usually occurs within minutes. When the patient is more alert, offer a more substantial carbohydrate meal of a sandwich or several sweet biscuits.
IF UNCONSCIOUS: It is common for these patients to be unconscious. If so, support the patient on their side and call 111 for an ambulance. In this situation, DO NOT give the patient anything to eat or drink.Give frequent reassurance during recovery because the patient may be confused until fully recovered
OBTAIN MEDICAL ADVICE: If the patient has improved with the intake of carbohydrate, medical advice is still necessary because a further deterioration may occur at any time. The patient should see a doctor.
- extreme tiredness and loss of concentration
- severe thirst
- abdominal pain nausea or vomiting
- dizziness and loss of coordination
- erratic or argumentative behaviour
- rapid loss of consciousness if not treated promptly
- persistent headache
- pale or sweaty skin
- can seem drunk
IF THE PATIENT IS CONSCIOUS: Support the patient on their side and call 000 for an ambulance.
IF CONSCIOUS, GIVE THE PATIENT SOME SUGAR: If the patient is still fully conscious and able to swallow, give a sweetened drink, chocolate or glucose sweets to suck – an improvement usually occurs within minutes. When the patient is more alert, offer a more substantial carbohydrate meal of a sandwich or several sweet biscuits.
IF UNCONSCIOUS: It is common for these patients to be unconscious. If so, support the patient on their side and call 111 for an ambulance. In this situation, DO NOT give the patient anything to eat or drink.Give frequent reassurance during recovery because the patient may be confused until fully recovered
OBTAIN MEDICAL ADVICE: If the patient has improved with the intake of carbohydrate, medical advice is still necessary because a further deterioration may occur at any time. The patient should see a doctor.