Diabetes symptoms can sometimes suddenly turn into an emergency. Hypoglycemia is usually the more critical emergency medical situation requiring first aid. 

It's also important to recognize that a person with diabetes will often exhibit symptoms of other conditions differently than people without diabetes. 

This is especially true of heart attacks. If a person says they are diabetic, or wear medical alert jewelry stating they are diabetic, and they exhibit severe distress, call 911 immediately.

Call 911 immediately if a person says they are diabetic, or wear medical alert jewelry stating they are diabetic, and they exhibit severe distress.   

 

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) First Aid

     If symptoms appear suddenly, the person should take a high-carb snack to resolve the symptoms, such as:

• a glucose tablet     
• sweet juice
• candy with sugar
• soda with sugar

 If the person loses consciousness, call 911.

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following action:

1. Take 15 grams of carbohydrate and wait 15 minutes before testing blood sugar levels.
2. If levels are still below 70 mg/dl, take another 15 grams of carbs, wait, and test again.
3. When glucose levels are above 70 mg/dl, eat a meal.
4. If symptoms persist, seek medical help for any underlying condition.

 If the person is conscious but unable to eat, someone who is with them should put a little honey or other sweet syrup inside their cheek and monitor their condition. 

 Diabetes symptoms can sometimes suddenly turn into an emergency. Hypoglycemia is usually the more critical emergency medical situation requiring first aid. 

It's also important to recognize that a person with diabetes will often exhibit symptoms of other conditions differently than people without diabetes. 

This is especially true of heart attacks. If a person says they are diabetic, or wear medical alert jewelry stating they are diabetic, and they exhibit severe distress, call 911 immediately.

Call 911 immediately if a person says they are diabetic, or wear medical alert jewelry stating they are diabetic, and they exhibit severe distress.   

 

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar) First Aid

     In mild cases, ways of resolving hyperglycemia include:

• Exercising more
• Eating less
• Changing the dose of insulin or other medication per doctors orders 

 However, very high blood sugar levels can lead to life threatening complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemia hyperosmolar (high salt) syndromes.

If symptoms worsen of if a person experiences difficulty breathing or has a very dry mouth or a fruity smell on their breath, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Call 911 if the person loses consciousness.