​ACTIVITY, BLOOD, DIABETES, EPISODE, FOOD, INSULIN, SUGAR, THIRST

​Learning Objectives

​What are we learning today?

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​1) What is diabetes?

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​2) What is the difference between hypo and hyperglycaemia

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​3) What are the signs and symptoms?

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​4) How to treat someone with hypoglycaemia

​What am I looking for by the end of the lesson...

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​- Explain what causes of hypo and hyperglycaemia?

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- Emergency care for hypoglycaemia

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- Signs and symptoms of hyperglycaemia

Diabetes​

​Diabetes is a disease where the body is unable to properly produce or respond to the hormone called insulin.

Two types of Diabetes

​HYPERglyceamia

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​When the body does not respond to insulin, the level of sugar in the blood (glucose) becomes too high, this is a state known as hyperglycaemia.

​HYPOglyceamia

​Blood glucose can also be too low, this is called Hypoglycaemia.

​HYPERglycaemia

​Blood glucose levels are too high because there is not enough insulin in the body.

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This happens if the person:

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•does not receive insulin.

•eats food with a lot of sugar in them.

​Signs of HYPERglycaemia

•Polydipsia (increased thirst or very thirsty)

•Headaches

•Blurred vision

•Weakness

•Polyuria (the need to urinate frequently).

​How can we help?

•Changing the dosage of insulin

•Eating less carbohydrates and sugary foods

•Exercising more

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If symptoms worsen, or if the person has problems breathing, a very dry mouth or fruity smell in their breath they should call 999 immediately.

​HYPOglycaemia

​This happens when there is not enough sugar in the blood.

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Low blood sugar can happen when a person with diabetes:

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•misses a meal.

•have not eaten enough food.

•does a lot of physical activity without eating enough food.

​Signs of HYPOglycaemia

• Dizziness

• Feeling hungry

• Irritated

• Pale

• Fast heartbeat

• Shaking

• Sweating

• Sleepiness

​How can we help?

​•Give the person a sugary snack such as sweet juice, a sugar lump, or a sugary sweet.

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•After fifteen minutes test their blood glucose levels, if they have not returned to normal, they should eat some more.

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•If the person is conscious but they are not able to eat, somebody who is with them should put some honey or a sweet syrup inside their cheek and monitor the person.

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•If the person becomes unconscious, you should call 998 and ask for emergency medical help.