Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition, of which there are 2 types. Diabetes is where a person has high blood sugar. For our bodies to work properly we need to convert glucose (sugar) from food, such as fruit, bread, starchy vegetables, milk, yoghurt and sweets, into energy. A hormone called insulin is essential for the production of glucose into energy. In people with diabetes, insulin is no longer produced or it is not produced in sufficient amounts by the body. Polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger) are all symptoms of this high blood sugar. Glucose levels are higher in people with diabetes because the glucose form food can't be converted into energy, and instead, stays in the blood.
Symptoms of diabetes
There are many varied symptoms of Diabetes. Listed below are only some possible symptoms or signs of Diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. These symptoms occur when the victim's blood sugar s low.
Sometimes the victim's blood sugar may be too low and they do not show any symptoms. No warning signs result in fainting and seizures.
Treatment
Diabetes is a chronic condition, of which there are 2 types. Diabetes is where a person has high blood sugar. For our bodies to work properly we need to convert glucose (sugar) from food, such as fruit, bread, starchy vegetables, milk, yoghurt and sweets, into energy. A hormone called insulin is essential for the production of glucose into energy. In people with diabetes, insulin is no longer produced or it is not produced in sufficient amounts by the body. Polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger) are all symptoms of this high blood sugar. Glucose levels are higher in people with diabetes because the glucose form food can't be converted into energy, and instead, stays in the blood.
Symptoms of diabetes
There are many varied symptoms of Diabetes. Listed below are only some possible symptoms or signs of Diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. These symptoms occur when the victim's blood sugar s low.
- Weakness
- Feeling tired
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Headache
- Hunger
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Feeling cranky
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Double or blurry vision
- Feeling uneasy
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
Sometimes the victim's blood sugar may be too low and they do not show any symptoms. No warning signs result in fainting and seizures.
Treatment
- The best response to a hypoglycaemic attack is sugar. Most diabetics should carry glucose tablet with them, for just such an emergency. In the absence of glucose tablets, candy, juice, sugary soft drinks and anything else with straight sugar will do.
- Some diabetics may have their physicians prescribe glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone, produced by the pancreas, that raises blood sugar. Glucagon is administered by injection, like insulin, and the diabetic may be able to inject himself. If he is not, then you or someone else may need to.
- If the person has lost consciousness, or if you are unable to administer sugar or glucagon, contact 000 immediately and follow DRSABCD. The longer you wait, the lower the victim's blood sugar levels will drop and the greater the risk of becoming unconscious. If the diabetic does pass out, do not administer sugar or insulin, do not inject glucagon and do not give them food or liquids.
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