Diabetes: Diabetic Emergencies

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Intro to Diabetic Emergencies

Diabetes is a significant and fast growing health concern in the United States. About 16 million Americans have diabetes – and that number increases every day. Every day there is someone who suffers from a diabetic emergency. What is a diabetic emergency? Well, first we must understand what diabetes is. Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses blood glucose (or commonly known as blood sugar) your body isn’t able to take the sugar from your bloodstream and carry it to your body cells where it can be used for energy. There are two types of diabetes; Type I (insulin dependent) and Type II (non-insulin dependent). Both types can cause a diabetic emergency. Both types require medical intervention/treatment.

So what is a diabetic emergency? A diabetic emergency occurs when there is a severe imbalance between the amount of insulin and sugar in the body. There are two conditions that may result in a diabetic emergency. 1. Not enough insulin. This causes a high level of sugar or hyperglycemia. This can lead to a diabetic coma. 2. Too much insulin. This causes a low level of sugar or hypoglycemia. This may lead to insulin shock. Regardless, both conditions require the person to seek medical attention.

One of the best things that a person with diabetes can do for themselves is to learn how to manage their diabetes and know when they are in trouble. It is up to those that are health care professionals to know what to look for and how to treat a diabetic emergency. As with any other emergency, a diabetic emergency is an authentic emergency and time is very valuable.

Cause/ Effect

Blood glucose (sugar) levels go up and down throughout the day depending on a numbe...

... middle of paper ...

...at is required, give him/her something to eat or drink and get medical help. Always remain calm, help the person to remain calm (as much as possible), and stay with the person until medical help arrives.

Diabetic emergencies require attention. That attention starts with first aid. It is always important to be ready, willing, and able when the need arrives. You never know when or where you may be when someone might need your help.

Works Cited

1. American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org/ Copyrighted: 1995-2014 visited on 03/24/2014

2. Artex Medical, Inc. America’s Choice for Diabetic Needs Published by the National Diabetes Education Program in 2013 Read on 03/24/2014 (pamphlet)

3. Liberty Diabetic Teaching Guides Published by Liberty Medical Supply, Inc. in 2013 Copyright 2014 Read on 03/21/2014 (pamphlet)

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