By: Surjit Singh Flora
There are two types of emergencies in diabetes. The first type involves fainting due to diabetes, while the second type involves a reaction to insulin. The first is called ‘hyperglycemia,’ and the second is ‘hypoglycemia.’ In the first case, the patient has no insulin, so blood sugar rises; in the second, insulin rises, so blood sugar falls. Therefore, a diabetic patient should learn the art of dealing with both conditions.
Fainting due to diabetes occurs when this disease is unresolved and untreated. If the patient has not taken insulin, has eaten too much food leading to increased carbohydrates in the body, or has an infection that disturbs the balance of sugar (insulin), then fainting can occur. On the other hand, if too much insulin is taken or there is a lack of sugar due to eating less food, then ‘insulin shock’ may occur. This reaction can also occur when blood glucose levels drop due to excessive fatigue or vomiting.
Both of the aforementioned conditions result in the patient losing consciousness, yet distinguishing between the two is possible through specific symptoms. If there is diabetic fainting, the breathing rate is slow, and there is a special smell of ‘acetone.’ The patient may also vomit. If fainting occurs due to ‘insulin shock,’ the patient will sweat profusely, and his heart rate will increase.
To determine whether this fainting is due to diabetes or ‘insulin shock,’ feed the patient some sugar. Instead of feeding sugar directly, it is better to provide it with milk or tea. If the patient has had insulin shock, then as soon as he takes sugar, he will see an immediate improvement. If there is no improvement in the patient’s condition, it means that the patient has suffered from diabetic coma. In this case, the patient should be hospitalized immediately without delay.
In both of these situations, ‘diabetic coma’ is more dangerous. Therefore, there should be no delay in taking him to the hospital. If a diabetic patient has a cut and is bleeding profusely, first of all, clean the wound completely so that there is no risk of infection.
Diabetic patients are at high risk of infection. Place clean cotton or cloth on the wound and press it with your hand. This will help stop the bleeding. The injured patient should be given a tetanus injection as soon as possible.
With high blood sugar, vomiting may start. When the body has less insulin than required, the blood sugar does not enter the body’s cells. In such a situation, the cells use other nutrients in the body, especially fat, for energy. This procedure increases the body’s metabolism, and vomiting begins. In this situation, the patient should be given a sweet drink, laid on his back, and taken to the doctor immediately.
If a diabetic patient drinks alcohol, the situation can be very serious because it can cause problems in his liver. As a result, the diabetes medicine cannot work properly.
If a pregnant woman suffers from diabetes, it is an emergency. She should see a doctor right away, as both mother and child are at risk.
Diabetic patients should exercise restraint and patience in an emergency situation and they should get necessary treatment without stress.
November features “Diabetic Day” on the 14th, recognized as World Diabetes Day. This day is recognized worldwide to promote awareness of diabetes and was selected to commemorate the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, alongside Charles Best, co-discovered insulin. November is recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month.
Indeed! Dynacare is providing complimentary A1C tests in the GTA from November 1 to November 30, 2025, as part of its yearly #Dynacare4Diabetes initiative. These tests can be accessed at mobile community clinics and all Dynacare Laboratory Health Services Centre locations throughout the GTA, and no doctor’s referral is needed for participation.
