Medical Emergencies
How to Handle Medical Emergencies
HYPOGLYCEMIA
EARLY SIGNS
- Sweating
- Shakiness
- Visual disturbances
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Cold, clammy skin
LATER SIGNS
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Drunken-like behavior
- Confusion
EMERGENCY SIGNS
- Seizures
- Coma, which can be fatal
WHAT TO DO
If your blood sugar is below 70 mg/dl, eat or drink something to raise levels quickly, such as hard candy, ½ cup of soda, ½ cup of fruit juice, or 3 to 4 glucose tablets. If needed, repeat after about 15 minutes. Seek medical help if there is no improvement.
HYPERGLYCEMIA
EARLY SIGNS
- Excessive thirst
- Leg cramps
- Dry mouth
- Frequent Urination
- Dehydration
LATER SIGNS
- Rapid pulse
- Weakness
- Confusion
EMERGENCY SIGNS
- Seizures
- Coma
WHAT TO DO
If your blood sugar is above 350 mg/dl, and you feel ill or stressed, call your doctor for medical advice. If it is 500 mg/dl or higher, see your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room for treatment. This condition could be fatal. Emergency treatment will likely correct the problem within hours.
