How Do I Help In A Diabetic Emergency?

klcooper1201
Jan 8
2 min read

If someone is having any kind of medical emergency, the first thing you must do is call 911. Knowing some signs of a medical emergency happening can save someone's life.

Unfortunately, many people find out they are diabetic after experiencing a medical emergency. These diabetic emergencies can come in a few different forms and spotting the signs early can mean life or death.

This is not an exhaustive list, however below are the most common complications that can happen. It is not to bring up fear, but to prepare and equip family and friends of those with diabetes to know what to do in order to potentially save their loved one's life.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Ketoacidosis occurs when the body completely stops making insulin. When insulin is not being released by the pancreas, glucose cannot enter the cells.

Cells in our body need glucose in order to function, have energy, and all around allow us to live a healthy life. When glucose cannot pass from the blood into the cells, they start to draw on fat stores.

This may sound like a good thing (if losing weight is something you want). However when fat stores become the ONLY source of fuel, they release ketones into the bloodstream. Ketones are acidic in nature, which will change the pH of the blood to be more acidic. The longer this process goes on, the more acidic the blood will become and the more dangerous the situation becomes for the individual.

To spot DKA, look for:

Extreme thirst
Peeing more often than normal
Nausea/ vomiting
Abdominal pain
Weakness
Fruity- smelling breath
Difficulty catching their breath
Confusion

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS)

HHS can happen when blood sugar levels remain very high for an extended period of time. Many people if they are already diabetic, will check their blood sugar at certain times throughout the day. High blood sugar can be much more dangerous for the diabetic person who cannot metabolize it.

This person may still produce just enough insulin to avoid fat cells turning into ketones in the blood (as seen in diabetic ketoacidosis). However, as the level of sugar in the blood increases, the liquid part of blood decreases, leaving the person severely dehydrated.

HHS can also be a complication of an infection that already exists or issues related to the heart or blood vessels. The signs can look similar to diabetic ketoacidosis.

Signs of HHS: