Warning Signs of Diabetic Shock: How Medical Alert Systems Can Help

Do you know the warning signs of diabetic shock? Diabetic shock, also called hypoglycemia, can occur when a diabetic has too much insulin, too little food, too much exercise or a combination of the three; it is a dangerous medical condition that must be immediately addressed.

Do you know the warning signs of diabetic shock?

Diabetic shock, also called hypoglycemia, can occur when a diabetic has too much insulin, too little food, too much exercise or a combination of the three; it is a dangerous medical condition that must be immediately addressed.

Bear in mind that diabetic shock can happen to individuals of all ages so whether your parent, child or other family member is diabetic, suffering diabetic shock can occur. Regardless of an individuals" age, having access to a medical alert device could be lifesaver in the event of diabetic shock or other medical condition.

Recognizing the symptoms

A diabetic individual can manifest the symptoms of diabetic shock gradually and may not even recognize them, but the warning signs should not be ignored. If hypoglycemia is not properly handled it can lead to fainting, coma or in the worst-case scenario, death. Identifying the warning signs is crucial to addressing the symptoms. Consider this: if your loved one is at home alone and begins to feel the symptoms of hypoglycemia, pressing the LifeFone medical alert button could save his or her life!

Warning signs of diabetic shock include:

• Moodiness or irritability
• Hunger
• Shakiness or dizziness
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Headache
• Poor coordination
• Fainting or unconsciousness
• Seizures
• Coma

Warning signs that can occur while sleeping include:

• Excessive night sweats
• Waking up confused or irritable
• Nightmares
• Crying out in your sleep

What to do?

If the symptoms are mild and the individual suffering from hypoglycemia is able, the best way to quickly raise the blood sugar level is by eating or drinking something containing sugar. Items such as:

• One-half cup of regular soda
• 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
• One quarter cup of raisins
• Six sugar cubes dissolved in a glass of water

Any of these items can raise the blood sugar to a safer level.

Because it"s virtually impossible to be with a family member who may be dealing with diabetes round the clock, and because the symptoms of diabetic shock can come on suddenly, having a LifeFone medical alert button could be a lifesaver. The caring and compassionate assistance provided by the LifeFone Care Agents, who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, can provide emergency assistance if the medical alert alarm is activated.

When you consider that exertion and lack of food could lead to diabetic shock, your loved one may be unable to reach the sugary food or drink necessary before losing consciousness, but he or she should be able to press the button to summon assistance.

Steps to prevent and prepare for diabetic shock include:

• Always keep a snack or piece of hard candy with you at all times in the event your blood sugar drops.
• Make sure you check your blood sugar before driving a vehicle or going for a bike ride or outdoor exercising.
• Wear your medical identification bracelet and keep your LifeFone Emergency Response Card with you.
• Make certain your friends and family recognize the signs of diabetic shock and know what to do.
• When you"re at home make sure you have your personal medical alert device on at all times.

Medical alert devices are literal lifesavers regardless of an individual"s age. They are a medical device is always available in case of a medical emergency when you may not be able to get to a phone or you"re home alone.