Heed the first symptoms of hypoglycaemia!
In hypoglycaemia, the diabetic's blood sugar falls rapidly. The symptoms of this include: ravenous appetite, outbreaks of sweating, trembling, feeling of weakness, headache, restlessness, tingling in the fingers and lips, palpitations.
It is noticeable to people in the diabetic's vicinity that he becomes pale in this state; he can undergo a behavioural change. Some diabetics becomes irritable and aggressive, others become tearful and depressive. Often the diabetic gives the impression that he is drunk.
Paleness and behavourial disorders in the diabetic may.indicate hypoglycaemia
What should be done if hypoglycaemia occurs?
Eat carbohydrates immediatelyl Sympla may be corrected by taking sugar in th, form of glucose tablets, cube sugar, jell beans, barley sugar or a non-diabetic s. drink. Every diabetic must always have little sugar with him in case he should Ii into this emergency situation.
In cases of hypoglycaemia (blood sugar too low) eat sugar immediatel,
The severest form of hypoglycaemia Ie, to loss of consciousness, and often als( spasms. The doctor must be called immediately and told that the matter involves an unconscious diabetic.
If the diabetic loses consciousness, t the doctor immediately!
How does the hypoglycaemia come about? The commonest reasons are as follows:
- If too many tablets are taken, or if too much insulin is injected.
- When a meal is omitted or when a meal is taken too late.
- If unusually hard work or increased physical activity takes place during the course of the day.
Keep to the dosage of tablets or insulin; never omit a meal
You can already see how much you yourself can contribute towards the avoidance of hypoglycaemia. The more regular the course of events during the day, the fewer are the occurrences of hypoglycaemia. An exact diet, the tablets or insulin prescribed by the doctor and uniform daily activity ensure a smooth metabolic state.
Diet, medicaments and physical exercise must be adjusted to one another
Do not forget to inform your doctor of a prior instance of hypoglycaemia. He alo' can decide whether the tablet or insulin dosage must be changed.
Inform your doctor if hypoglycaemia has occurred!
You now know something about hypo glycaemia (too little blood sugar), but yc must also know the symptoms of hyperglycaemia (too much sugar in the blood). Here, -the blood sugar rises, ofte to a threateningly high, level, and can IE to loss of consciousness-diabetic COfl1