Diabetic Emergencies - Hypoglycaemia

Fred, your brittle diabetic patient, comes in pale, confused and sweaty. After you have checked your own pulse, what is your FIRST priority of care?

Test your knowledge

Test your knowledge in the following clinical case and clinical update from Dr Justin Coleman with this 15 minute excerpt from our Emergencies in General Practice course:

Log your CPD

We encourage you to self-report this learning activity based on the learning objectives above. We have allocated 15 minutes of RP and 15 minutes of EA. This may include self reflection on the following points:

• Review of your current clinic protocols for managing diabetic emergencies including access to fast acting carbohydrates and administration of glucagon

• Review of patient education for monitoring blood glucose levels, recognising symptoms of diabetic emergencies, and knowing how to use glucagon kits effectively

• Review of clinic supplies for fast acting carbohydrates including glucagon with respect to stock levels and expiration dates

• Identify symptoms of hypoglycaemia indicating a diabetic emergency

• Describe the role of fast acting and long acting carbohydrates for managing diabetic emergencies

• Identify when glucagon for severe hypoglycaemia including when it is necessary, the correct method of administration and post-administration care

Related Courses

• Emergencies in General Practice
• Diabetes in General Practice