What First Aiders Should Know About Diabetic Emergencies
Every November, World Diabetes Day reminds us that diabetes is not only a condition to manage, but a shared community responsibility to understand. This year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-being”, highlights how awareness, compassion, and basic first aid knowledge can empower all of us to support the health and safety of those living with diabetes.
Understanding Diabetes and Its Everyday Challenges
Diabetes affects the way the body regulates blood glucose, either because it doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. For many people, this means a lifelong balance between food intake, exercise, and medication.
However, daily management isn’t always predictable. Stress, missed meals, physical activity, or changes in medication can cause blood sugar levels to rise or fall rapidly, leading to emergencies that require swift, informed action.
The two most common diabetic emergencies are:
- Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar): When blood glucose drops too low, often caused by too much insulin, missed meals, or intense exercise. Symptoms may include trembling, sweating, confusion, dizziness, irritability, blurred vision, or sudden fatigue.
- Hyperglycaemia (High Blood Sugar): When glucose levels rise too high, usually due to missed medication, dehydration, or infection. Symptoms can develop gradually: excessive thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness.
For someone unfamiliar with diabetes, these symptoms can easily be mistaken for fatigue or stress. That’s why first aiders play such a vital role. Recognising the signs early can prevent a crisis from becoming life-threatening.
How First Aiders Can Respond Calmly and Confidently
When a diabetic emergency occurs, time and calm thinking are your greatest tools. The goal is not to diagnose, but to stabilise the person until professional medical help arrives.
If You Suspect Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia):
- Encourage the person to sit or lie down somewhere safe.
- Offer a fast-acting source of sugar, such as a sweet, fruit juice, or a sweetened drink.
- Once they start feeling better, follow up with a slower-acting carbohydrate (like bread or a banana).
- Never force food or drink if the person is drowsy or unconscious.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, call for professional medical assistance immediately.
If You Suspect High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycaemia):
- Encourage the person to drink water if they are alert and able to swallow.
- Check for their diabetic identification bracelet or medication and share this information with emergency responders.
- Do not administer insulin.
- Stay with the person until help arrives and monitor their breathing and responsiveness.
In both cases, if the person loses consciousness, call emergency services at once and be prepared to start CPR if they stop breathing.
Supporting Well-being Beyond Emergencies
Well-being is about more than reacting to emergencies; it is about creating environments where people with diabetes feel safe, understood, and supported.
Schools, workplaces, and families can all contribute by ensuring that someone on-site is trained in first aid, first aid kits are easily accessible, and staff are aware of how to identify and manage diabetic symptoms.
At the South African First Aid League, we believe that knowledge is vital. By learning first aid, you’re not only gaining a skill, but you are also becoming someone who can make a lifesaving difference when every second counts.A Shared Responsibility of Care
Diabetes affects millions of lives, but awareness can protect many more. This World Diabetes Day, take a moment to learn the signs of diabetic emergencies, refresh your first aid training, or share this article with someone you care about.
Should you wish to equip yourself with First Aid Training, contact us on 012-644-0918 or visit our website at https://www.firstaidleague.co.za/training#our-courses.
