Diabetes Emergency Response Training in Reno

Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, and even those who manage their condition carefully can experience sudden emergencies. Whether it’s low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), knowing how to recognize and respond to a diabetic crisis can save a life.

At Northern Nevada CPR, we teach residents in Reno and Northern Nevada how to respond confidently to diabetic emergencies as part of our hands-on CPR and First Aid training.

Understanding Diabetic Emergencies

1. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Occurs when blood sugar drops too low, often below 70 mg/dL. Causes include missed meals, excessive exercise, or too much insulin.

Symptoms:

• Shaking or trembling

• Sweating

• Confusion or irritability

• Dizziness or weakness

• Hunger

• Blurred vision

• Severe cases: seizures or unconsciousness

  
  

2. Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)

Happens when blood sugar rises too high, often due to illness, missed insulin, or consuming excess sugar.

Symptoms:

• Frequent urination

• Extreme thirst

• Fatigue

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fruity-smelling breath

• Confusion

• Rapid breathing

If untreated, hyperglycemia can progress to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency.

How to Respond to Hypoglycemia

1. Recognize symptoms quickly.

2. Give fast-acting sugar immediately, such as:

   • Glucose tablets or gel

   • Fruit juice or regular soda (about 4 oz)

   • Candy or honey

3. Wait 15 minutes and recheck blood sugar if possible.

4. Repeat sugar intake if symptoms persist and blood sugar remains low.

5. Once stable, provide a snack with protein or complex carbs to maintain blood sugar.

6. Call 911 immediately if the person becomes unconscious or cannot swallow.

   • Do not give anything by mouth.

   • If trained and available, administer a glucagon injection.

   
   

How to Respond to Hyperglycemia

1. Encourage the person to check blood sugar and ketones if possible.

2. Help them drink water to stay hydrated.

3. Seek medical help if they experience:

   • Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

   • Fruity-smelling breath

   • Confusion or lethargy

   • Difficulty breathing

4. Do not attempt to lower blood sugar quickly on your own. Medical professionals provide the correct treatment.

What to Keep in Your Diabetes Emergency Kit

• Glucose tablets or gel

• Fast-acting sugar sources (juice boxes, candy)

• Glucagon emergency kit (if prescribed)

• Blood glucose meter and test strips

• Contact information for their healthcare provider

Important Tips

• Know the person’s diabetes care plan and medications.

• Learn the difference between low and high blood sugar symptoms.

• Stay with the person until they recover or help arrives.

• When in doubt, call 911 immediately.

Conclusion

Diabetic emergencies can be frightening, but your quick action and knowledge can prevent serious complications. Northern Nevada CPR in Reno offers hands-on CPR and First Aid courses, including training for diabetic emergencies, so you can respond confidently when it matters most.

Enroll in a Northern Nevada CPR class today and be ready to save a life.