Even when you and your aging relative are doing everything you can to manage their diabetes, sometimes problems occur. One such problem is diabetic shock, which may also be referred to as insulin shock. It happens when the amount of insulin in the body is out of balance. It can be a serious problem, so knowing about it and what to do when diabetic shock occurs is an important part of being a family caregiver to an older adult with diabetes.
About Diabetic Shock
Diabetic shock occurs when the body has too much insulin. It can happen for several reasons, including:
- The diabetic takes insulin and then forgets to eat.
- The diabetic misses a meal.
- The diabetic accidentally takes too much medicine.
- The diabetic is too physically active without adjusting the amount of carbohydrates they eat.
- Diabetic shock, left untreated, results in hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia means that blood sugar is too low.
Diabetic Shock Symptoms
It can be difficult to spot the early signs of diabetic shock. Some of the things to look for include:
- Dizziness.
- Hunger.
- Feeling shaky.
- Irritability or moodiness.
- Sweating.
- Fast heartbeat.
If steps are not taken to treat diabetic shock in the early stages, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Fainting.
- Seizures.
- Coma.
- Headache.
- Confusion.
- Poor coordination.
What to Do When Diabetic Shock Occurs
The early stages of diabetic shock can be treated at home by eating or drinking something that contains sugar. Experts recommend eating 15 to 20 grams of sugar. Some people keep glucose tablets on hand, which you can purchase at the pharmacy. Or, you can offer the older adult one of these foods:
- Half a cup of non-diet soda.
- One cup of milk.
- 1 Tablespoon of sugar.
- 1 Tablespoon of honey.
- One-fourth cup of raisins.
After they eat sugar, the senior should wait 15 minutes, then check their blood sugar.
If their blood sugar levels are still low, they should eat another 15 to 20 grams of sugar, wait 15 minutes, and check again. Keep repeating this until their blood sugar levels are back to a safe level. If the symptoms become more severe, such as seizures or fainting, call for emergency medical help.
If your aging relative has diabetes, elderly care can help them to prevent diabetic shock and treat it if it occurs. An elderly care provider can prepare healthy meals and snacks on a regular basis, ensuring the senior eats when they should. They can also remind the older adult when it is time to check their blood sugar and take medications. An elderly care provider can watch for signs of diabetic shock and offer the older adult a snack containing sugar. If the signs are severe, an elderly care provider can get your aging relative emergency care.
For more information about hiring Elderly care in Pacific Beach, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
Webmd.com
Healthline.com
Riteaid.com
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