St. John Ambulance of Malaysia,
 Shing Chung High School Division,
Central Area, State of Perak.

REFERENCES

DIABETES EMERGENCIES

LOW BLOOD SUGAR
(INSULIN SHOCK-- HYPOGLYCEMIA) {INSULIN > SUGAR}    

CAUSES:

1.  Taken too much insulin
2.  Over exercised or overexerted, reducing blood glucose level.
3.  Not eaten enough to provide normal sugar intake.
4.  Has vomited a meal.   

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

1.  A diabetic may feel faint, dizzy and light headed.
2.  He / She may be confused and disorientated. 
3.  Abnormal, hostile or aggressive behavior.
4.  Skin pale, cold and clammy; with profuse sweating
5.  Pulse rapid and full
6.  Breathing becomes shallow and breath odourless.
7.  Limb may begin to tremble.
8.  Casualty's level of responsiveness may deteriote rapidly.   

AIM:

1.  Restore the sugar insulin balance as soon as possible. 
2.  If casualty unconscious arrange urgent removal to hospital

Treatment:

1.  If a casualty conscious and able to swallow, immediately give a lump of 
     sugar, sweet drink, chocolate or other sweet food in order to raise level of
     sugar in blood.
2.  Instruct casualty to seek medical aid  
3.  if casualty is unconscious, carry out general treatment for unconscious
     casualty.  
4.  Arrange urgent removal to hospital

1.  Has not taken his insulin.
2.  Diabetic's condition not been diagnosed and treated.
3.  Overeaten, excess of carbohydrates.
4.  Suffers infection that affects glucose-insulin balance.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

1.  Dry mouth and intense thirst.
2.  Abdominal pain and vomiting
3.  Restlessness, confusion, followed by stupor.
4.  Coma with:-
   * Sign of air hunger--deep sighing and respiration
   * Weak and rapid pulse
   *Dry, warm skin
   *Breath smell of acetone--sweet nail pololish remover

Treatment:

If casualty unconscious arrange urgent removal to hospital