How to Treat Insulin Shock

Insulin shock, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when a diabetic either takes too much insulin, doesn't eat frequently enough, or doesn't eat sufficient amounts of sugar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Candies
• Fruit Juices
• Sugars
• First Aid Kits
• Evacuation Insurance
• First Aid Classes

1. Evaluate for insulin shock by looking for the following signs and symptoms: changes in level of consciousness, irritability, shakiness, severe hunger, lack of coordination, rapid heart rate, or pale and clammy skin. (See "How to Assess Level of Consciousness During First Aid" and "How to Measure and Record a Pulse During First Aid.")

2. Feed the patient sugar. Candy bars, fruit drinks and table sugar are good sugar sources.

3. Establish an airway if the person is unconscious. Rub sugar on the gums and under the tongue so that it can be absorbed through the oral mucosa. (See "How to Clear an Obstructed Airway.")

Tips & Warnings

• Do not administer food or fluids if the patient is unconscious.
• The patient should rapidly improve after sugar is administered. If not, consider hyperglycemia and get the patient to a doctor fast.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 1/12/2007 Hyperglycemia is rarely a time-critical condition, so don't kill yourself getting to the ER. But hypoglycemia is a life-threating condition. Low blood sugar kills much faster than high blood sugar, in a matter of minutes vs. hours or days. If the patient is not conscious or cannot support his airway, give them nothing by mouth! Nothing! Call 911 so the medics can give IV glucose. If the patient is conscious enough to feed himself, give a quick jolt of sugar such as a candy bar or juice, followed by a small meal of complex carbohydrates, protein and fat; i.e., a ham-and-cheese sandwich or the like.

on 1/16/2006 I always carry tubes of Glucose Gel and have been able to self administer it so far. It works very quickly, actually faster than the tablets.

on 1/5/2006 Treatment is definitely important, but assessment is the key to survival. Knowing how to use and understand a blood-glucose testing kit can save a diabetics life. Go over it with the person you know and have them explain how it works. It can keep you from giving someone who's already extremely high more sugar, or someone who's extremely low more insulin.

on 11/22/2005 Never give an unconscious diabetic insulin, you may kill them. Always give them sugar, it may help and will not harm them. You can carry a tube or three of cake frosting in your first aid kit. Apply the frosting to the back of their mouth, near the molars. Their blood sugar may be quite low and you might have to give them a very large amount of sugar to bring them back. Make sure that their airway is open and that they are breathing. If giving them sugar doesn't work, you need to get them advanced care as soon as possible, or this person will die.

on 11/22/2005 Call the paramedics as soon as possible, and then try to put liquid honey under the person's tongue (if you can get them to open their mouth).