If a person with known diabetes shows signs of insulin shock and can swallow, what is the recommended first aid?

If a person with known diabetes shows signs of insulin shock and can swallow, what is the recommended first aid?

• A. Give a source of quick-acting carbohydrate
• B. Give insulin
• C. Have them drink water only
• D. Apply ice to the neck

Answer: (A)

When someone with diabetes shows signs of insulin shock but can still swallow, the priority is to raise their blood glucose quickly using a fast-acting carbohydrate. This directly counters the low glucose level that’s causing the symptoms and can rapidly improve their alertness and function. Giving insulin would worsen the situation, water alone won’t raise glucose, and applying ice to the neck doesn’t address the underlying problem. Offer a quick-acting carb such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, regular soda, or candy (about 15-20 grams of sugar). After about 10-15 minutes, check for improvement; if the person remains symptomatic, repeat the quick-acting carbohydrate. Once they’re out of immediate danger and feeling better, provide a snack with protein to help maintain blood glucose. If there’s no improvement, or if they cannot swallow or lose consciousness, call emergency services right away and follow guidance, including the use of glucagon if you’re trained to administer it.

When someone with diabetes shows signs of insulin shock but can still swallow, the priority is to raise their blood glucose quickly using a fast-acting carbohydrate. This directly counters the low glucose level that’s causing the symptoms and can rapidly improve their alertness and function. Giving insulin would worsen the situation, water alone won’t raise glucose, and applying ice to the neck doesn’t address the underlying problem.

Offer a quick-acting carb such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, regular soda, or candy (about 15-20 grams of sugar). After about 10-15 minutes, check for improvement; if the person remains symptomatic, repeat the quick-acting carbohydrate. Once they’re out of immediate danger and feeling better, provide a snack with protein to help maintain blood glucose. If there’s no improvement, or if they cannot swallow or lose consciousness, call emergency services right away and follow guidance, including the use of glucagon if you’re trained to administer it.