Information to know about Hypoglycemia and Diabetic Shocks

Hypoglycemia and Diabetic Shocks

Individuals suffering from diabetes have body systems that are unable to produce sufficient amount of insulin for sugar that is consumed in their daily diet. Most Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics require insulin injections, but not all of them require the same exact dosage. For example, a Type 1 diabetic may require two injections of different insulin per day while a Type 2 diabetic may need just one injection daily. There are even some diabetics that do not need injections at all.

Overview of the Emergency

Since each individual’s insulin needs vary based on several factors like age, physical condition, response, and other circumstance, diabetics must measure their blood glucose level before each shot. Diabetics must also adjust their food and beverage consumption as well as physical activity level (i.e., exercise) to match the insulin level injected.

However, there are cases when miscalculations occur. Some diabetics may miscalculate the amount of insulin necessary or fail to eat on time. Either of these circumstances can result in a dangerous drop in blood glucose level, no thanks to the extremely high insulin levels in their system.

This is known as hypoglycemia or diabetic shocks in more layman’s terms.  While it is potentially fatal, diabetics and their caregivers (i.e., family members and close friends at the time of their hypoglycemic attack) can avert the consequences.

Recognize the Symptoms

If you have been a long-time diabetic, you will probably notice when your blood sugar is dangerously low, and take the appropriate steps to avert any disasters. However, there are cases in which you may overlook warning signs, such as when you are not lucid enough to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia and diabetic shocks.

In this case, your first step is to educate your family members and close friends about the symptoms of hypoglycemia / diabetic shocks and the steps to take for addressing it.

• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Clumsy movements
• Appearance of intoxication
• Changes in personality and/or cognitive function
• Falling unconscious

The general rule of thumb among diabetics: If you feel something is wrong, then there probably is. Be sure to measure your blood glucose level and take the appropriate action for diabetic shocks.

Address the Issue

As with all medical emergencies, taking the appropriate actions is a must to avoid the dire consequences (i.e., death). Doctors suggest the following:

Administer a sugar source. Candy, juice, and soda, among other food and beverage with sugar in it, will suffice. However, make sure that what you are consuming is indeed sugar.

• The recommended dosage is either: 5-6 pieces of hard candy, or 1/2 cup fruit juice, or 3 glucose tablets.
• Just to be on the safe side, you should always carry glucose tablets for such an emergency.

Administer a glucagon injection. Ask your doctor about it since it is also provided via injection.

Call emergency services. If you have passed out, immediately tell your family members or friends to call 911 once you regain consciousness because time is of the essence.

• Instruct them to never administer insulin, glucagon, and sugar as well as food and beverages when you are unconscious.
• They should instead wait for medical assistance to arrive, and to make you as comfortable as possible.
• They should also take note of the time of the attack.

Most important, act swiftly because the longer you or your family members wait, the higher the chance that patients may succumb to a coma and death.

Call 888-719-8448 or  Visit Healthpointe if you want more information on diabetic shocks and hypoglycemia, and find out why we are one of the finest medical groups around.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Perris, which is conveniently located near Nuevo, Sun City, Canyon Lake, Homeland, Romoland, and Lakeview. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net