Recently, during an guarantee assignment, a Western Station team of Beijing Emergency Medical Center, consisting of Dr. Qin Xiaobing and Nurse Ding Yifan, encountered an individual who had suddenly collapsed. The patient was sweating profusely and exhibiting signs of confusion.
Upon receiving the report, the emergency team swiftly rushed to the scene with medical equipment for initial examination. Dr. Qin Xiaobing learned from the patient’s colleagues that he had a history of diabetes. Nurse Ding Yifan immediately conducted a blood glucose test, revealing a critically low blood sugar level of just 2.1 mmol/L, indicating a life-threatening condition. Following Dr. Qin’s instructions, Nurse Ding established an intravenous line and administered a glucose injection. The high-glucose injection needed to be administered slowly. She knelt on one knee beside the patient, focusing intently on every precise movement.
Shortly after, the patient regained consciousness and, appearing bewildered, inquired about what had happened. Dr. Qin patiently explained the situation and further questioned the patient about his diabetes management with medicine. It was revealed that the patient relied on insulin to control his blood sugar levels and had taken his usual dosage that day, but had consumed an insufficient amount of food, leading to the hypoglycemic episode. Nurse Ding conducted two follow-up blood glucose tests, showing readings of 7.9 mmol/L and 6.5 mmol/L, respectively. Dr. Qin informed the patient that the improvement was a result of the glucose injection and that his blood sugar levels might drop again. He advised the patient to seek further medical observation and treatment at the nearest hospital.
Some facts about hypoglycemia:
1. Recognizing and Responding Promptly:
If a diabetic individual exhibits symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness and excessive sweating, but remains conscious, it is necessary to immediately consume a sugary food or drink, such as candy or fruit juice, to quickly raise their blood sugar levels.
If the individual loses consciousness, do not attempt to feed them with any sugary food or drink. Instead, call emergency services (120) immediately to ensure timely professional medical intervention.
2. Regular Monitoring and Personalized Management:
Diabetic patients and their families should develop the habit of regularly monitoring blood sugar levels to understand individual responses to insulin and diet by recording the level changes. Based on these observations, adjustments to insulin dosage and dietary intake should be made to maintain stable and safe blood sugar levels, effectively preventing hypoglycemic episodes with personalized management strategies.
3. First Aid Knowledge Dissemination:
It is crucial for diabetic patients and their families to be educated on hypoglycemia first aid. Recognizing symptoms, identifying methods and knowing the appropriate initial response ensure timely response, which could be lifesaving in an emergency, winning precious time for first aids.
4. Balanced Diet and Medication Adjustment:
Patients should avoid excessive dieting. If experiencing a loss of appetite due to other illnesses, they should reduce their diabetes medication dosage accordingly. If a patient has previously experienced hypoglycemic episodes, their blood sugar control targets should be adjusted to prevent overcorrection. Strenuous exercise and alcohol consumption on an empty stomach should also be avoided. Stay calm in facing the symptoms and carry out emergency treatment of hypoglycemic coma to manage blood sugar scientifically and appropriately.
5. Keeping a Blood Glucose Meter at Home for Timely Measurement:
Understanding hypoglycemia symptoms and emergency management strategies not only helps individuals safeguard their own health at critical moments but may also save the lives of others.