Diabetic Emergencies
The human body requires sugar for nourishment. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar. When the body does not
produce enough insulin, body cells do not get the nourishment they need, and diabetes results. People with diabetes take insulin to
keep their condition under control; subsequently, they are subject to two very different types of diabetic emergencies:
Diabetic Shock (a.k.a., Insulin Shock or Insulin Reaction)
Diabetic shock results from having too much INSULIN in the body. This condition rapidly reduces the level of sugar in the blood, and
the brain cells suffer. Diabetic shock can be caused by taking too much insulin, by failing to eat, by heavy exercise, or by emotional
factors.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF DIABETIC SHOCK:
 Rapid breathing
 Rapid pulse
 Dizziness
 Weakness
 Changes in the level of consciousness
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Vision difficulties
Sweating
Headaches
Numbness in the hands or feet
Hunger
Diabetic Coma
Diabetic coma results from having too much SUGAR in the body. There is too little insulin present to handle the sugar and the body’s
cells do not get the nourishment they need. Diabetic coma can be caused by eating too much sugar, by not taking insulin as
prescribed, by stress, or by infection.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF DIABETIC COMA:
 Drowsiness
 Confusion
 Deep, rapid breathing
 Thirst
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Dehydration
Fever
Changes in the level of consciousness
Peculiarly sweet- or fruity-smelling breath
First Aid for Diabetic Shock or Coma
Look at the signs and symptoms for each emergency to help distinguish between them. Always look for an identifying bracelet which
may reveal a person’s condition. If the person is conscious, ask two very important questions which will also help determine the
nature of the problem:
1. Have you eaten today?
2. Have you taken your medication today?
Someone who has eaten, but has not taken their prescribed insulin medication may be in a diabetic coma. Someone who has not
eaten, but has taken their medication may be in diabetic shock.
DIABETIC SHOCK REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ACTION: ADMINISTER SUGAR IMMEDIATELY
Give sugar to a person in diabetic shock as quickly as possible and in any form (candy, fruit juice, glucose gel, etc.). This can be lifesaving! If the person is suffering from diabetic coma, the sugar is not required but will not cause any further harm.