How To

First Aid for a Diabetic attack

Steps to follow:

1. Monitor Lifeline (DRABC)
2. Determine high or low blood sugar levels
3. Seek Medical help

1. Monitor Lifeline - follow DRABC.

If a known diabetic loses consciousness, attempt to resuscitate and seek help. Tell the caller to inform the medical team that the patient is diabetic.

2. Determine high or low blood sugar levels

Talk to the patient and try to establish if their blood sugar levels are low or high.

Signs and Symptoms of LOW blood sugar include:

• The patient is hungry
• The patient is sweating
• The patient appears pale
• The patient seems confused, weak or disoriented
• The patient seems aggressive or irritable

If the patient is suffering from low blood sugar levels, give them something sweet to drink or eat. Do not give diet, sugar free or diabetic safe food or drink.

Seek medical help and continue to give them sweet food or drink every 15 minute until medical help arrives.

Signs and Symptoms of HIGH Blood sugar levels include:

• The patient's skin is hot and/or dry
• The patient feels thirsty
• The patient needs to urinate

Help the patient administer insulin. Do not administer it for them, but assist them if necessary. Seek medical help and give them sugar-free fluids to drink. Water is best.