IN AN EMERGENCY

If you have not been diagnosed as a diabetic and you experience any of the symptoms described on this website please seek the advise of your usual doctor or in an emergency call an ambulance or visit your local A&E department.

Diabetes - Hypoglycaemia

This occurs when the blood sugar level falls well below normal and causes a chemical change to the brain. This may occur as a result of missed meals, over exertion or if too much insulin is taken.

Recognition

• Sweating; pale and clammy skin



• Shallow breathing



• Faintness, confused, disorientated or even aggressive behaviour



• In more severe cases, the person may become unconscious.

Treatment

If the person is conscious, give them a sugary drink, like lucozade© or milk with sugar in it. Also give them a long acting carbohydrate like digestive biscuits. Stay with them until they have recovered. If they have blood sugar testing equipment test their sugar levels.

If the person is unconscious place them in the recovery position and call an ambulance.