Diabetes is a disease in which the body either produces too much insulin or does not utilize the insulin it has. At either extreme, the body can have reactions that are dangerous or even fatal if not taken care of immediately. Insulin shock occurs when there is too much insulin in the body. If the level of insulin goes to high, the amount of glucose (sugar) in the body drops and brain cells begin to starve. Diabetic coma is the opposite; there is too much sugar in the blood and not enough insulin to balance it out. This also causes the levels of nutrients in the cells to drop and a variety of symptoms occur. Drowsiness, dehydration and sweet-smelling breath are all possible reactions.
Assess the Situation
When approaching any one that is in distress, assess the situation and the surrounding environment. Is there anyone else around? Are there food wrappers or medicine bottles anywhere close to the victim? Is the victim unconscious or coherent enough to let someone know what’s going on? Immediately call 911 if there is any possibility of injury or medical condition that is not under control.
Stabilize the Victim
If the victim is conscious, ask questions. Keep him talking as long as possible. Ask him if he has eaten, how long ago and what he ate. Does he have any other medical conditions? What medications is he presently taking? If he is currently on insulin, when did he have the last dose? Keep the victim lying down if at all possible. Check pulse and blood pressure if you have the equipment to do so. Remain calm and continue to monitor vital signs until EMTs arrive.
Provide Sugar if Needed
If a person is entering a diabetic coma, giving her sugar will not hurt. If a person is suffering from insulin shock, she must have sugar in some form immediately. Most diabetics will carry a candy bar or something similar in case they feel their sugar dropping. Soda pop, sweet tea and candy are all acceptable in cases of emergency. Glucose tablets can also be purchased at drugstores. One or two glucose tablets should be enough to bring the sugar levels in the blood back up to safe levels.
Waiting for the EMTs
Keeping the patient calm is very important. Talk to him and assure him that help is on the way. Even if the patient comes out of the reaction and seems none the worse for wear, he still needs to be evaluated by medical professionals. If the patient is unconscious, continue to monitor vitals until EMTs arrive.
About this Author
Wendy Melton is a natural health consultant. She is also a personal trainer, certified herbalist and massage therapist. Melton has been a professional freelance writer since 2007 with many contributions to eHow, Helium and LIVESTRONG. She is a graduate of Clayton College with a master’s degree in natural health.
