Emergencies
Emergency situations as they pertain to patients with diabetes
are mainly of two types
a)Due to low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia)
b)Due to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
While every situation is different and each patient has different
needs and demands,it is essential that those with diabetes
and their family members and friends know what is to be done
in case an emergency occurs.
Patients with diabetes who require insulin (either type 1
or type 2 diabetes) do pose a challenge when it comes to emergency
situations. Let us emphasise some of the problems and hopefully
present some useful options.
Missing Drugs or Insulin
Those people with insulin dependent diabetes MUST have their
insulin doses in order to avoid going into a stress state
known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
If a person with type 1 diabetes misses an insulin injection
but is otherwise well, he or she can get by for a few hours.
However, in case of repeated missed doses over a prolonged
period,the blood sugar can become exceedingly high (hyperglycemia).
In the event of an emergency situation, if no insulin is
available, these persons should be kept calm, well hydrated,
and as stress free as possible.Immediate hospitalization is
recommended,even if for a short while. It is highly recommended
that all persons with type 1 diabetes have on their person
some identification of their medical status so that rescue
teams can be aware of the urgency to help these people even
in cases where eliciting a history of diabetes may not be
possible.
In those who do not require insulin, the urgency to treat
is less immediate. however they too should be kept hydrated,
calm, and warm until help arrives.
Diabetes Medication Taken With No Food Available
Another situation can occur when a patient with diabetes
has taken their insulin or oral medication but is in a situation
where no food is available. In these cases, the blood sugar
may drop exceedingly low (hypoglycemia).
The Physical signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia are confusion,sweating,
shaking, incoherence and dizziness.This is true particularly
in a stressful environment. In its most severe form, the hypoglycemia
can result in the loss of consciousness and seizure. This
if prolonged may lead to death.
The best way to treat hypoglycemia is to provide the person's
body with glucose. The simpler the sugars are, the better.
the best thing is to have a pack of table sugar or a hard
candy,as they dissolve and as converted in to a easily digestable
form when chewed. Those with diabetes should always carry
a stash of sugar, candies, etc. for use in these emergency
situations.
Sugar in juice and aerated waters work well and half a glass
of either can be given every 10 to 15 minutes until the person
seems to improve. Injection of glucagon can be given if symptoms
of severe hypoglycemia occur.
Air Travel And Diabetes Medications
The currently recommended way to fly with medications and
equipment, such as insulin, syringes, lancets and glucagon
is to travel with all medications and supplies that have the
original pharmacy label on them.
For security reasons you can also carry your doctors recent
prescription with you.
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