Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.

There are two main types of diabetes:

• type 1 diabetes – where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
• type 2 diabetes – where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin

Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2.

Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia

(Blood sugar content too low)

Recognition:

• Blurred vision
• Hunger
• Tiredness or lethargy
• Lack of concentration
• Increased heart rate
• Headaches
• Tingling sensations
• Noticeable changes in personality
• Feeling faint

Treatment

• Sit the casualty down, calm and reassure
• For suspected Hypoglycaemia, assist the casualty to take their glucose tablets or give other dietary forms of sugar
• If the condition improves offer further sugary drinks or food
• If there is no improvement in the casualty’s condition call 999/112
• Monitor the condition if the casualty becomes unconscious carry out basic life support

Hyperglycaemia

(Blood sugar content too high)

Recognition:

• Sweet, fruity- smelling breath
• Increased need to urinate
• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness and lethargy

Treatment

• Sit the casualty down
• Encourage the casualty to use their medication
• If they have not been previously diagnosed, then call for an ambulance
• Monitor the condition. If the casualty becomes unconscious carry out basic life support