Diabetic Signs & Symptoms
Hypoglycemia (rapid onset)
- Blood glucose <50–60 mg/dL
- Skin is pale, cool, diaphoretic
- Intense hunger
- Disoriented or agitated
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Slurred speech
- Tachycardic
- Tingling of face, tongue, lips
- Poor motor function
- LOC
Treatment
10–20 g of oral carbohydrates
- 4–6 oz soda, OJ
- 4 packets of sugar
- 5–7 Lifesavers
If unconscious, place sugar or honey under tongue
Monitor & repeat as needed
Resume activity 15 minutes after all symptoms resolve
Hyperglycemia (gradual onset)
- Blood glucose (BG) >180 mg/dL
- Skin is dry & flushed
- Intense thirst
- Fruity breath odor (acetone)
- Rapid & weak pulse
- Deep, exaggerated respiration
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness; nausea; vomiting
- Weakness
- Cramping
- Increased urination
- LOC/seizure
Treatment
- Insulin treatment as follows:
- BG 150–200 mg/dL: 2 units
- BG 201–250 mg/dL: 4 units
- BG 251–300 mg/dL: 6 units
- BG 301–350 mg/dL: 8 units
- BG 351–400 mg/dL: 10 units
Source: Anderson MK, Hall SJ & Martin M (2000); Lillegard WB, Butcher JD & Rucker KS (1999); emedicine.com.
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