Medical Emergencies 8.4 Diabetes


The pancreas is an organ in the body that produces insulin. Our body uses insulin to regulate our blood sugar levels. A person whose body cannot produce sufficient insulin suffers from a medical condition known as Diabetes Mellitus.


There are two types of Diabetes:


In a Type 1 Diabetic the body produces little or no insulin so the sufferer must inject themselves regularly with insulin to control their blood sugar levels.


In a Type 2 Diabetic the body produces some insulin, but it is either not enough or what it does produce is not used properly.


Hyperglycaemia This condition is caused by low levels of insulin and high levels of sugar. “Hyperglycaemia is a serious medical


condition that first aiders can only recognise, not treat”


Recognition - Dry, warm skin - Rapid breathing - Rapid, weak pulse - Fruity, sweet smelling breath - Child will be thirsty


Treatment


- Call 999/112 for an ambulance - Hyperglycaemia is a serious medical condition that first aiders can only recognise, not treat - Be prepared for your child to go unconscious (place in the recovery position) - Monitor airway and breathing


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