HYPOGLYCEMIA FIRST AID

The most common emergency facing victims of diabetes is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia happens when the victim has taken too much medication, or took the right amount of medication but did not eat. Hypoglycemia can also happen as a result of infection or increased exertion.
Hypoglycemia symptoms include trembling in the hands and arms, decreased muscle coordination, confusion, coma, and sometimes death. Follow this if you suspect someone with diabetes is not acting appropriately:

Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: Until help arrives
Here's How:
Safety is always first. Always follow the basics of first aid. There are many causes of unconsciousness that are not related to diabetes. If you feel the area is not safe, stay back and summon help. You are no help to the victim if you get hurt. Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you have it.

If the victim is conscious and able to follow your commands, have the victim eat or drink something sweet. There are glucose gel products on the market just for this use. Other than gel products, juices work best. Victims can even eat frozen juice concentrate right out of the can with a spoon.

If the victim is unconscious, place the victim in the recovery position and call 911.

Monitor the victim and wait for the ambulance. Follow the basic steps for first aid while you wait.

Self-Care at Home
A glucose monitor is available for people to check their own blood sugars in the comfort and privacy of their own home.


Usually this entails sticking yourself in the finger with a tiny needle called a lancet to get a drop of blood.


The blood is transferred to a special strip of paper that is then placed into the glucose meter, or glucometer, which analyzes the blood. This gives a numeric reading that corresponds to the blood glucose level.
If you find someone who has the symptoms of low blood sugar, look for clues that explain the symptoms.


If the person has diabetes and still has his or her insulin and a recently disposed needle, you can presume that a change in their level of consciousness may be due to low blood sugar (they have accidentally taken too much insulin).


If the person is awake enough to drink something, you can give them a cup of orange juice with sugar. If low blood sugar was the cause of their confusion, they will improve after a few minutes.
Medical Treatment
Treatment, either in the hospital or at your doctor's office, usually includes IV glucose or glucagon injections given into your muscle.

source:firstaid.about.com and firstaid.webmd.com