I am new to Type 1 and I am working out counting carbs and injecting appropriately. I havent experienced a hypo yet but I know I will and want to prepare for it, but also want to prepare my colleagues. I don't want to have to tell them 6 pages of information, but a short explanation of what might happen and what to do if they see me hypo. Can anyone help with this please?
Thanks
Hello and welcome, I copied and pasted the following quote from Beyond Type 1 the Co-workers guide to Type 1 diabetes ;-
Highs and lows, and everything in between
Be aware that our moods can be affected by blood sugar levels, high or low. When you are high or low, you don’t feel like yourself. Staring at a computer, trying to pay attention or making decisions are difficult when we are dizzy, confused, fatigued and just out of it. You might be able to tell if your co-worker is not acting like himself or herself in a meeting. Take note of any signs or symptoms that your co-worker might be experiencing that seem out of the ordinary.
Symptoms of
Hyperglycemia or “going high”
- nausea
- deep sighing breaths
- confusion
- flushed and warm skin
- drowsiness
- very thirsty
*When we are hyperglycemic, we will need to administer insulin through an injection or a pump.
Symptoms of
Hypoglycemia or “going low”:
- shaky
- pale and sweaty skin
- headache
- hunger
- weakness
- confusion
*When we are hypoglycemic, we will need to eat a snack that has a good amount of fast-acting carbohydrates to raise our blood sugar quickly. This could be anything from fruit snacks, a juice box or crackers.
Emergency situations
- If we are conscious, encourage us to check our blood sugar so we can treat accordingly.
- If we are conscious but incapacitated (unable to respond or seem out of it), immediately contact emergency services.
- If we are ever passed out or unconscious, immediately call emergency services.
Most likely an emergency situation would be caused by hypoglycemia or a low blood sugar and in that case, a fast-acting glucose needs to be taken immediately. This means juice boxes, candy, glucose tablets, or any other sugary food or drink that can be consumed easily.
If we are unconscious, you may have to administer emergency
glucagon. Determine ahead of time with the person who has Type 1 if you’d like to be the point person for such an emergency and would like to be trained to help.
What is glucagon?
Glucagon is a hormone medicine used in emergencies when a diabetic is experiencing
hypoglycemia and cannot take sugar orally. It comes in powder form and must be added to a solution in order to administer it. It is the opposite of insulin.
You could tweak a lot of this to fit your own needs and how you would like it to come across in your work place.
Take care.