Lesson 45: Diabetes

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📘 Lesson Summary

Diabetes is a long-term condition where the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively.
This causes blood sugar levels to become too high or too low.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

🧠 Types of Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 – Insulin Dependent

  • Usually develops earlier in life
  • The body produces little or no insulin
  • Requires regular insulin injections

Type 2

  • The body produces some insulin but cannot use it properly
  • More common and often linked to lifestyle factors
  • Managed with diet, exercise, and medication

⚠️ When Diabetes Becomes a First Aid Issue

A first aid emergency occurs when the casualty experiences:

  • Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
  • Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)

🔻 Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Causes

  • Missing a meal
  • Too much insulin
  • Physical activity
  • Illness or poor glucose control

🔍 Recognition

  • Pale, cold, clammy skin
  • Sweating
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Dizziness or blurred vision
  • Rapid pulse
  • Confusion or unusual behaviour
  • Irritability or aggression
  • Headache
  • Tiredness

👉 The casualty may appear drunk or act out of character

🩺 Treatment

If conscious:

  • Give 10g of glucose
    (e.g. sugary drink, sweets, glucose tablets)
  • If symptoms improve, give more food or drink

If no improvement:

  • If no response within 10 minutes → Call 999/112

If unconscious:

  • Do not give anything to eat or drink
  • Place in the recovery position
  • Monitor airway and breathing
  • Be prepared to start CPR if needed

🔺 Hyperglycaemia (High Blood Sugar)

Causes

  • Missed medication or incorrect dose
  • Illness or infection
  • Eating too much
  • Poor diabetes management

🔍 Recognition

  • Warm, dry skin
  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Rapid, weak pulse
  • Deep or sighing breathing
  • Breath may smell sweet or fruity

👉 May become unconscious if untreated

🩺 Treatment

  • Help the casualty to sit down and stay comfortable
  • Encourage them to take their own medication

🚨 Call 999/112 if:

  • The casualty becomes unresponsive
  • You suspect hyperglycaemia and condition worsens

⚠️ Important

  • Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious casualty
  • Always monitor airway and breathing
  • Low blood sugar is the most immediate danger

💡 Key Takeaway

If you are unsure whether it is high or low blood sugar:
👉 Treat as low blood sugar and give something sugary