Since people with fluctuating sugar levels have a long list of medications along with devices and equipment, first aid for a diabetic emergency is quite useful for them. It’s essential for diabetics to know how to tackle high and low blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a progressive condition that prevents the body from producing insulin or using the insulin produced. Insulin, being one of the most important hormones in the body, helps in regulating the sugar levels in the body by providing the cells with enough glucose to function properly.
There are two types of diabetes:
A diabetic emergency is when the body experiences fluctuations in sugar levels, either too high or too low. Both conditions are extremely dangerous and must be taken care of with first aid for diabetes, and in extreme conditions must be taken to a hospital.
As mentioned above, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes prevent the body from managing sugar levels effectively. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin, whereas Type 2 diabetes reduces the ability to use the insulin produced.
A diabetic emergency can emerge due to fluctuations in sugar levels, but at times, diabetes complications too can create an emergency. Here are the types of common times when a person needs first aid for diabetes:
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels become lower than the normal range. Usually, the condition is diagnosed as hypoglycemia when the sugar level goes below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
If not treated properly, hypoglycemia can cause seizures and can be life-threatening. However, if a diabetic is able to identify the signs before the condition worsens, it can be treated as a short-term condition.
Hypoglycemia can happen anytime to anyone; however, it usually is triggered due to the usage of insulin or other diabetes medications.
Here are a few cases where blood sugar levels can go below the normal range:
Just like how excess insulin can cause hypoglycemia, too little insulin causes hyperglycemia. In this condition, sugar levels remain higher than the normal range and can worsen, if not treated properly. In extreme cases, hyperglycemia can make a person unresponsive or into a diabetic coma. Hence, it is essential to take first aid for diabetes to improve your condition.
If you think you are experiencing a diabetic emergency or see someone near you go through the same, here are a few signs to look out for to identify the type of emergency:
If you or someone near you experiences the signs mentioned above, it is important to take the following steps:
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Having first aid kits at home can help you prepare for an emergency and prevent serious complications. Here are a few things to keep in the kit that you created for yourself:
When at home, although you must have everything handy, it is important to see if you have the following items at home:
A diabetic emergency can never be timed. Hence, it is better to stay prepared beforehand to avoid any complications.
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