diabetic shock

diabetic shock Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) due to excessive use of insulin or other glucose-lowering medications to lower the blood sugar level in diabetic patients. Symptoms include a sweet, chemical odor on the patient’s breath that is similar to that of acetone or alcohol (acetone breath); fatigue, lightheadedness, or fainting; and reddening of the skin in Caucasian patients or darkening of the skin in patients with darker skin. Immediate treatment involves administration of glucose in a prescription sublingual form or in the form of hard candy or cake frosting if nothing else is available. Patients with diabetes and their families should learn the early warning signs of diabetic shock and carry glucose tablets for emergency use. The treatment includes glucagon given by intramuscular injection. Glucagon causes the release of glucose from the liver, and should be part of the emergency kit of a diabetic, especially if the patient uses insulin. Families and friends of those with diabetes should be taught how to administer glucagon, because obviously the patients will not be able to do it themselves in an emergency situation. Changes in diet, medication, or insulin administration can then be made to prevent future episodes. Also known as an insulin reaction or insulin shock. See also insulin reaction.