Diabetes is a chronic condition that profoundly affects blood sugar regulation, leading to episodes of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Hyperglycemia occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or properly utilize the insulin it produces. This progressive condition is commonly linked to diabetes and requires careful management. To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes often need medications, such as insulin, and must adhere to specific lifestyle guidelines.
In this article, you will learn about the causes, symptoms, and appropriate first aid measures for high blood sugar. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effectively managing diabetes and preventing severe health complications.
Causes - The Role of Insulin
During digestion, the body converts carbohydrates from foods like pasta, bread, and rice into glucose. As blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin, a crucial hormone that activates cell receptors, enabling cells to absorb glucose for energy, which is essential for proper cell function. Thus, insulin plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels.
Diabetes significantly disrupts the effects of insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin's effects, making it difficult to maintain normal blood sugar levels. When body tissues lack sufficient insulin or become resistant to it, glucose builds up in the bloodstream.
Without adequate insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to dangerously high blood sugar levels. This imbalance can cause severe health complications if not properly managed.
Untreated hyperglycemia can escalate, causing serious health issues that require emergency care, such as diabetic coma. Even mild, persistent hyperglycemia can negatively impact the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and nervous system.
NOTE: Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent) is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes (insulin resistant) is a chronic condition that develops slowly over time.
Risk Factors
Hyperglycemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- using insufficient amounts of insulin or other diabetes medications
- improper insulin administration or the use of out-of-date insulin
- not adhering to your diabetes diet plan
- being inactive
- suffering from a disease or infection
- taking specific drugs, like steroids or immunosuppressants
- having an injury or undergoing surgery
- feeling emotionally strained because of problems at work or in the family
Signs and Symptoms of High blood Sugar with a Diabetic Person
High blood sugar usually occurs if a person with diabetes neglects their medication.
The onset of signs and symptoms indicating high blood sugar tends to develop more slowly compared to low blood sugar. When a person with diabetes has high blood sugar, their behavior can change, and they may experience:
- dry mouth
- excessive thirst
- frequent urination
- tiredness
- blurred vision
- hot, dry skin
- fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- smell of acetone / fruits on breath
- confusion
- loss of consciousness
NOTE: Usually, symptoms of hyperglycemia don't appear until blood sugar (glucose) levels are elevated, which is at or above 180 to 200 mg/dL, or 10 to 11.1 mmol/L. The signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia appear gradually over days or weeks. The longer blood sugar levels stay high, the more severe symptoms may appear.
Signs and Symptoms of Low blood Sugar with a Diabetic Person
Low blood sugar can occur:
- if a person with diabetes has not eaten or is vomiting.
- if a person has not eaten enough food for the level of activity.
- if a person with diabetes has injected too much insulin.
Signs of low blood sugar can come quickly. When a person with diabetes has low blood sugar, their behavior can change, and they may become:
- Dizzy,
- Irritable or confused,
- Hungry, thirsty, or weak,
- Sleepy,
-
Sweat
NOTE: In some advanced cases, the person might even have a seizure.
First Aid Actions for a Diabetic Person who has High Blood Sugar
Follow these first-aid action steps if the person is responsive and shows signs of high blood sugar:
- Make sure the scene is safe: Ensure your safety and the safety of the individual.
- Ask permission to help: Before intervening, politely ask the person if they would like assistance.
- Recognize the medical emergency: Be aware of the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar and understand when the situation requires immediate medical attention.
- Look for any medical information jewelry: This tells you if the person has a serious medical condition.
- Help Check Blood Sugar Levels: If the person has diabetes and carries a glucometer, you can help them test their blood sugar levels. However, prioritize immediate action if symptoms are present, even without testing.
- Encourage Hydration: Offer the person water to drink if they sustain no injury and they can swallow, but avoid sugary beverages.
- Help the person to take their medication: If the person has medication prescribed for high blood sugar management (such as insulin), assist them in taking it as directed by their healthcare provider.
- Seek Medical Assistance:
- The person has an ongoing fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, and she can't keep any food or fluids down.
- Blood glucose levels remain above 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L).
- If the person's condition does not improve or if they become unresponsive, call emergency medical services.
- Monitor and stay: Keep an eye on the person's condition, maintain body temperature, and stay with the person until their symptoms improve or medical help arrives.
NOTE: If the person has diabetes and carries a glucometer, you can help them test their blood sugar levels. If it's high and the person has insulin available, you may assist them in administering it. However, do not inject insulin by yourself unless you are properly trained to do so.
First-aid Actions if the Diabetic Person Shows Signs of Low Blood Sugar.
- Make sure the scene is safe: Ensure your safety and the safety of the individual.
- Ask permission to help: Before intervening, politely ask the person if they would like assistance.
- Recognize the medical emergency: Be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and understand when the situation requires immediate medical attention.
- Look for any medical information jewelry: This tells you if the person has a serious medical condition.
- Help Check Blood Sugar Levels: If the person has diabetes and carries a glucometer, you can help them test their blood sugar levels. However, prioritize immediate action if symptoms are present, even without testing.
- If the person can't sit up and swallow:
- Call for help: Call or have someone call your local emergency phone number.
- Caution: Do not try to give the person anything to eat or drink.
- Position to comfort: Help the person find a comfortable position that aids breathing. Have the person sit quietly or lie down.
- If the person can sit up and swallow:
- Give sugar: Ask the person to eat or drink something with sugar that can rapidly restore blood glucose levels. These items include glucose tablets, orange juice, cola, soft chewy candy, jellybeans, fruit leather, or whole milk.
- Position to comfort: Help the person find a comfortable position that aids breathing. Have the person sit quietly or lie down.
- Seek Medical Assistance: If the person can't swallow, their condition does not improve or if they become unresponsive, call emergency medical services.
- Monitor and stay: Keep an eye on the person's condition and stay with the person until their symptoms improve or medical help arrives.
NOTE: If the person has diabetes and carries a glucometer, you can help them test their blood sugar levels. If it's low, ask the person to eat or drink something with sugar. Once blood sugar levels stabilize, follow up with food. Encourage the person to eat a snack or meal containing protein and complex carbohydrates (such as bred, pasta or rice) to sustain blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Managing diabetes effectively is crucial to preventing both high and low blood sugar levels, which can lead to severe health complications if left unaddressed. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it properly, causing glucose to accumulate in the bloodstream. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and appropriate first aid actions for hyperglycemia can help mitigate its dangerous effects.
Various factors can trigger hyperglycemia, including insufficient insulin use, dietary missteps, inactivity, and stress. Recognizing the signs—such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision—is essential for timely intervention. On the other hand, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) requires swift action to prevent severe outcomes like seizures.
By staying informed and prepared, you can effectively support individuals with diabetes during critical moments, ensuring their safety and well-being. Understanding and responding promptly to the signs of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can make a significant difference, highlighting the importance of continuous education and awareness in diabetes management.