Almost 4 million people in the UK have diabetes, so if you work in a large workplace, its likely you have at least one colleague with the condition. Read on to learn more about diabetes and what you should do if a colleague, friend or relative experiences a diabetic emergency.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition that affects the body’s ability to produce insulin. An essential hormone that controls how glucose (blood sugar) is distributed to cells and tissues in the body. 

There are two main types of Diabetic emergency that you may come across in the workplace: 

Hypoglycaemia: Results from low blood sugar. Onset occurs very rapidly.
Hyperglycaemia: Results from high blood sugar. Onset occurs gradually.

Each type of diabetic emergency requires a different type of treatment. This poster will help first aiders identify the type of diabetic emergency they are faced with and deliver the correct type of treatment accordingly.

Recognising a diabetic emergency

Hypoglycaemia

Low blood sugar is typically caused by over-administration of Insulin medication or missing a meal / other irregular eating patterns. It can also be caused by exercise and stress and is identified by the following symptoms:

1. A display of confused/agressive behaviour
2. Complaints of feeling hungry or faint
3. A strong pulse with a rapid rate
4. Deteriorating levels of response/responsiveness
5. A sweaty/clammy feeling to the surface of the skin, sometimes pale

The onset of a hypoglycaemic emergency occurs rapidly. If urgent action is not taken the casualty will become completely unresponsive and may even suffer from a seizure.

Action in the event of hypoglycaemia

The priority is to raise the diabetic person's blood sugar levels, in the form of a sugary drink or snack. However, if they are unresponsive:

1. Check the casualty's Airway, Breathing and Circulation (ABC)
2. If casualty is not breathing, call an ambulance/ask a helper to call an ambulance, then begin CPR as soon as possible
3. If the casualty is breathing, place them in the recovery position and call an ambulance

DO NOT attempt to raise an unresponsive casualty's blood sugar levels by administering food or drink. This may block the airway and could be fatal.

If the casualty is responsive:

1. Ensure they are seated
2. Encourage them to drink a sugary drink or eat sugary food. This will raise their blood sugar levels back to a safe level
3. As the casualty begins to respond to sugar intake and shows signs of recovery, continue to monitor them and encourage them to eat and drink as necessary
4. Seek medical advice

Hyperglycaemia

High blood sugar is typically caused by a failure to administer sufficient insulin. especially common after meals, it can be identified by the following symptoms:

1. Feelings of nausea and vomiting
2. Extreme thrist, usually accompanied by  a distinct 'acetone' ordour on breath
3. Drowsy and dehydrated
4. Rapid breathing
5. Dry & warm skin
6. An urge to urinate

The onset of a hyperglycaemic emergency occurs very gradually. It is rare that a casualty will become completely unresponsive as such extreme deterioration may take a number of days.

Action in the event of hyperglycaemia

In an unresponsive casualty:
1. Check the casualty's Airway, Breathing and Circulation (ABC)
2. If casualty is not breathing, call an ambulance/ask a helper to call an ambulance, then begin CPR as soon as possible
3. If the casualty is breathing, place them in the recovery position and call an ambulance

If the casualty is responsive:
1. Call an ambulance
2. Reassure the casualty
3. Try and keep the casualty alert
4. If in doubt whether the casualty is hyper or hypoglycaemic, give sugar

Please note this information is not intended as a substitute for first aid training
By Safety First Aid
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