Diabetes Flashcards
Theory
What is diabetes?
Body can’t regulate sugar
Theory
Two types of diabetes emergencies?
Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
Theory
What do you do regardless of type of diabetes emergency?
Test their blood sugar
Theory
What is insulin?
Hormone, causes sugar to leave blood and enter cells
Theory
What do you do if you can’t test their blood sugar?
Rule of 15: critical for hypoglycemia, not that dangerous if hyperglycemia.
Hypoglycemia
What causes hypoglycemia?
Body using lots of sugar or not supplying enough sugar
Hypoglycemia
Examples of activities that lead to hypoglycemia?
Took too much insulin, haven’t eaten in a while, over-exercised
Hypoglycemia
How fast does hypoglycemia progress?
Usually quick onset (within an hour)
Hypoglycemia
3 symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Poor coordination, clammy/moist skin, confusion
Hypoglycemia
How do you help?
Test their blood sugar, Rule of 15
Hypoglycemia
What do you do if they become unresponsive?
Call 911. Put on side in case they vomit.
Hypoglycemia
What don’t you do for hypoglycemia?
Don’t give food! It can slow absorption of sugars in stomach.
Hypoglycemia
Give insulin?
No. You can’t administer drugs, you’re not a doctor.
Hypoglycemia
Call 911?
Maybe not. Rule of 15 and get blood sugar back up to normal.
Hypoglycemia
Is there any time when you should call 911 for hypoglycemia?
YES - if they are not fully awake and alert.
Hyperglycemia
What causes hyperglycemia (4)?
Wrong meds, bad diet, no exercise, stress
Hyperglycemia
Is hyperglycemia life-threatening?
YES
Hyperglycemia
Why is hyperglycemia life-threatening?
NOt enough insulin, sugar just circulating in blood, unusable by cells.
Hyperglycemia
How fast does hyperglycemia progress?
Slow (hours to days)
Hyperglycemia
4 symptoms of hyperglycemia?
Drowsy, thirsty, warm/red skin, fruity breath.
Hyperglycemia
How do you help?
Test their blood sugar. Frequent, small sips of water.
Hyperglycemia
Call 911?
Yes. This is life-threatening.
Hyperglycemia
Give insulin?
No. You can’t administer drugs, you’re not a doctor.
Rule of 15
What is the Rule of 15?
Give 15g sugar, wait 15 min, give 15g sugar (if still low).
Rule of 15
How much table sugar is 15g?
3-5 teaspoons
Rule of 15
How much orange juice to get 15g sugar?
Around 7oz
Rule of 15
What if you only have soft drinks?
One regular can (not diet!)
Rule of 15
Why do you have to wait 15 minutes?
Takes that long to reach the blood stream and circulate.
