Diabetic Emergencies

Diabetes is a metabolic disease causing an inability to regulate the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to travel from the bloodstream into the cells.

Please watch the following video from Khan Academy describing Glucose, Insulin and Diabetes.

It is often difficult to distinguish between hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). However, determining the cause of the diabetic emergency is less important than a quick response and treatment. In general, the guidelines for care are the same. Sugar administered to a person experiencing dangerously low sugar levels can be life-saving! It is important that victims receive sugar quickly. By the same token, additional sugar given to a person experiencing hyperglycemia is not needed, but will cause no further harm.

Click the play button to begin the presentation below.

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