Both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia can be a consequence of diabetes mellitus. Too rarely do people ask themselves how they can be helped in the event of hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia. After all, in an emergency, those affected need all the help they can get. Here you can find out more about how best to act in the event of a hyperglycaemic and/or hypoglycaemic crisis.
What are hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia exactly?
To explain it in a very simple way: hyperglycaemia is a high level of sugar in the blood. Hypoglycaemia, on the other hand, is the opposite, i.e., a low level of sugar in the blood. Hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia can be caused by diabetes, such as diabetes mellitus. In medicine, this is referred to as hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
In principle, a blood sugar level that is slightly too high or too low is nothing unusual. Slight differences in blood sugar are normal. Differences can also occur in completely healthy people. Blood sugar levels always depend on food intake. Blood sugar levels can vary due to a wide variety of foods.
A stable blood glucose level is approximately between 3 and 8 mmol/l. mmol (millimoles per litre) is the standard unit for measuring blood glucose levels. In cases of hyperglycaemia, the level will naturally be above 8 mmol/l. This is usually caused by insulin. This is usually caused by insulin. The cause is usually a lack of insulin. If insulin cannot be produced in the body, our organs cannot use the sugar and it tends to accumulate. In cases of hypoglycaemia, the value is below 3 mmol/l.
Symptoms
There are differences to be taken into account between the typical symptoms of hyperglycaemia and those of hypoglycaemia. We have summarised these differences below.
Hyperglycaemia
Basically, the symptoms of hyperglycaemia are very gradual. This means that their duration can vary from several hours to days even.
These are the most common symptoms of hyperglycaemia:
- Lack of energy
- nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Strong desire to urinate
- Severe thirst
- Fatigue
- Acetone smell in the air
The smell of acetone is a slightly acidic fruit odour in the breath. This is also a very typical symptom of hyperglycaemic coma, which can occur especially in type 1 diabetics. Type 2 diabetics, on the other hand, mainly experience high fluid loss. Other symptoms are barely noticeable in type 2 diabetes.
Note: If you experience the above symptoms, you may develop a diabetic coma. If this is the case, first aid should be given quickly, and the emergency number should be called immediately. With our TarisApp, you can not only dial the emergency number, but also request further professional help in the area. You can find out more about the app right here.
Hypoglycaemia
The first symptoms of hypoglycaemia occur as soon as the blood glucose level falls below 3 mmol/l. The most common symptoms of hypoglycaemia are a low blood glucose level, which can cause a heart attack.
The most common symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Problems concentrating
- Uncontrolled sense of hunger
- Increased heart rate
The lower the blood sugar level, the more easily symptoms related to neurological problems can occur. For example, visual function may be affected, or hemiplegia may occur. Both diabetics and their relatives should familiarise themselves with the symptoms. If affected persons are unable to act alone, they depend on the help of others.
Correct behaviour in case of hyperglycaemic and hypoglycaemic crises: first aid
Knowing what to do in case of hyperglycaemic and hypoglycaemic crises can be vital in the event of an emergency. It all depends on the symptoms that occur and therefore, there may be differences between each case in the application of first aid.
Hyperglycaemia
If a hyperglycaemic crisis occurs, the body requires insulin. Only the administration of insulin can bring the amount of sugar in the blood back to normal and help the affected person. If the person affected by the crisis is still conscious, insulin can be administered. This can be given in different ways: by syringe or medication, for example. Ask the person how insulin is usually administrated.
You can always follow these instructions:
- Dial the emergency number.
- Check if the person is conscious.
- Is the person conscious? Try to calm the person down and then administer insulin.
- Is the person unconscious? Put the person in a resting position (lying on their side) and monitor their breathing and pulse.
Hypoglycaemia
If a hypoglycaemic crisis occurs, be aware that the body needs sugary food or drink, which should only be given when the person is conscious. Anything that contains glucose is fine: for example, a chocolate bar or a cola. Sugary food can quickly restore energy to the body and allow the person affected by the crisis to regain strength
In case of hypoglycaemia, you can follow these instructions:
- Dial the emergency number.
- Check if the person is conscious.
- Is the person conscious? Then provide the affected person with sugary food.
- Is the person unconscious? Put the person in a resting position (lying on their side) and monitor their breathing and pulse. However, the person can also be helped with a syringe of glucagon, which they should ideally carry with them. Glucagon should be injected into the upper arm, thigh or buttocks of the person suffering from the crisis. Glucagon forces the liver to rapidly release sugar reserves.
Note: As a general principle, diabetics are advised to always carry a diabetic card with them, so that they can be identified as diabetic in an emergency and enable first aiders to implement the correct first aid measures. If you are diabetic and lose consciousness, you cannot tell anyone that you are. This information can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Additional articles:
- Adult-onset diabetes: What’s really behind it?
- The First Aid ABC and ABCDE: What’s behind them?
- Providing first aid: in case of acute illness!
Sources and other Links:
- https://www.haufe.de/arbeitsschutz/arbeitsschutz-office-professional/erste-hilfe-365-diabetische-notfaelle_idesk_PI13633_HI1479670.html
- https://www.tk.de/techniker/gesundheit-und-medizin/behandlungen-und-medizin/diabetes/tk-plus-bei-diabetes-mellitus/was-ist-im-notfall-zu-tun-2013644
Picture credits: ©Envatoelements
