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EMT Chapter 15
Diabetic Emergencies
15
Medical
Professional
11/18/2008

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Term
What is the literal meaning of the word “diabetes”?
Definition
“a passer through; a siphon”
Term
Diabetes Mellitus
Definition
the full name of diabetes. “sweet diabetes”, referring to the levels of glucose sugar in the urine. Metabolic disorder in which the body cannot metabolize glucose, usually because of a lack of insulin. The result is a wasting of glucose in the urine.
Term
Glucose
Definition
a simple sugar in the body along with oxygen, is the primary fuel for cellular metabolism.
Term
Type II Diabetes
Definition
Normally adult onset diabetics. Patients produce inadequate amounts of insulin or they may produce a normal amount but the insulin does not function effectively.
Term
Insulin
Definition
“the cellular key”, is needed to allow glucose to enter individual body cells to fuel their functions. Insulin is a hormone that is normally produced by the endocrine glands on the pancreas that enables glucose to enter the cells.
Term
Hyperglycemia
Definition
a lack of insulin that cause glucose to build up in the blood, to extremely high levels. A state in which the blood glucose level is above normal.
Term
Hypoglycemia
Definition
is a state in which the blood glucose level is below normal.
Term
What are the 3 Ps?
Definition
Polyuria (frequent and plentiful urination), Polydipsia (frequent drinking of liquid to satisfy continuous thirst), Polyphagia (excessive eating as a result of cellular “hunger”, seen only occasionally)
Term
acidosis
Definition
When fat is used as an immediate energy source instead of glucose, ketones and fatty acids are formed as waste products and are hard for the body to excrete.
Term
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Definition
an accumulation of certain acids occurs when insulin is not available in the body. A result from prolonged and exceptionally high hyperglycemia. Signs and symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and a type of deep, rapid breathing called Kussmaul respirations. Cells cease to function. Progresses to unconsciousness, diabetic coma and death.
Term
Diabetic Coma
Definition
is a state of unconsciousness resulting from several problems, including ketoacidosis, dehydration because of excessive urination, and hyperglycemia.

Symptoms include: kussmaul respirations, dehydration, sweet fruity breath, a rapid pulse, a normal or slightly low blood pressure, varying degrees of unresponsiveness.
Factors that contribute to: not under medical treatment, takes insufficient insulin, overeating, undergoing stress that may involve an infection.
Term
Insulin Shock
Definition
hypoglycemic patients (insufficient glucose in the blood). Glucose is rapidly taken out of the blood to fuel the cells. If glucose levels get too low, the brain may not get enough causing unconsciousness and if not treated, permanent brain damage.

Causes include: taken too much insulin, taken a regular dose of insulin but has not eaten enough food, had an unusual amount of activity or vigorous exercise and used up all available glucose.
Term
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia
Definition
Normal or rapid respirations, pale and clammy skin, sweating, dizziness and/or headache, rapid pulse, normal to low blood pressure, altered mental status, anxious, hunger, seizure/fainting/coma, weakness on one side of the body.
Term
The steps of Giving Oral Glucose
Definition
-Make sure the tube is intact and has not expired.
-squeeze a generous amount onto a bite stick.
-open the patient's mouth
-place the tongue depressor on the mucous membranes between the cheek and gum, with the gel side next to the cheek.
Term
What are some complications of diabetes?
Definition
heart disease, visual disturbances, renal failure, stroke, ulcers, infections of the feet and toes, seizures and altered mental status.
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