Question:
From Belfast, Northern Ireland:
My cousin, 5, was recently diagnosed with diabetes (I am not sure which kind)
and I am concerned I might find myself in a first aid situation with her.
Where might I find guidelines?
Answer:
Speak to your cousin's parents about caring for your cousin, and ask to read
any material they might have. In general, the one situation which may happen
quickly is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The signs and symptoms may
include looking pale, shaky, dizzy, confused, tired, a complaint of hunger or
headache. If you can check her blood glucose, do so, and treat a low blood
sugar with a small amount of juice or other carbohydrate source and a small
snack. (See our reference on
treating hypoglycemia.)
If a low blood sugar
becomes "severe" the person with diabetes may lose consciousness or have a
seizure, in which case you would not want to give them anything by mouth, but
rather inject
glucagon.
Your cousin's parents could help you, or perhaps the
diabetes team that cares for your cousin could be of help.
LM
Original posting 4 Dec 97
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