DIABETICME REMEMBER HUGGIE DiabeticMe ; David Cuthbertson
David Hughes also know as (HUGGIE) sadly lost his life with diabetic complications just over a year ago, lets just say it was a massive shock to everyone when David passed. Now I know everyone says this be he was honestly one of the nicest guys out there not only a best friend but we were, 2 Diabetic, David's let's just say Hugg i e and Cuff i e. Now it's taken over a year to start my page but now it's time to remember him and his name. Let's be honest how many of use are under the impression he's diabetic he can't do that, you shouldn't be eating that or he is having a hypo give him sugar? Well in my experience a lot, well never assume having type 1 diabetes you can go either way hypo under or hyper over so by lack of education you could be making someone worse. So what can we take from HUGGIE well here is a quick guide using each letter of HUGGIE that not only is the start to being educated using it could save someone's in the event of an emergency. If a friend or family member had a problem whilst in your company would you know what to do, how to react, how to test blood or what information to give emergency services that may be the difference between life and death?
H
HYPO OR HYPER A low blood sugar level, also called hypoglycaemia or a "hypo", is where the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood drops too low (below 4mmol). Hyperglycaemia is where the level of sugar in your blood gets too high. It mainly affects people with diabetes. (over 7mmol 8-9mmol 2 hours after meal, normal high over a few days.
U
UNDERSTANDING Understand the difference between high and low is vital, normal range should be between 4-7mmol and under 4mmol is hypo the lower the worse needs immediate attention over 7mmol needs monitor and lower levels also in addition may have ketones.
G
GET TESTING Test can be vital in an emergency it will tell the blood level reading the diabetic is at, learn how to test levels and ketones on the meter, know wear it's kept this could help save a life and quicken the response by giving accurate information. Always educate the people around think diabetes, think what if, educate or simply ask.
G
GIVING GLOUCOSE Have a sugary drink or snack – like a small glass of fizzy drink (not a diet variety) or fruit juice, a small handful of sweets, 3 or 6 glucose tablets or 1 to 2 tubes of glucose gel.Test your blood sugar after 10 to 15 minutes – if it's improved and you feel better, move on to step 3. If there's little or no change, treat again with a sugary drink or snack and take another reading after 10 to 15 minutes.You may need to eat your main meal (containing a slow-release carbohydrate) if it's the right time to have it. Or, have a snack that contains a slow-release carbohydrate, such as a slice of bread or toast, a couple of biscuits, or a glass of cows' milk.
I
INSULIN Blood sugar level is 15 mmol/l or more, you should check your blood or urine for ketones. If ketones are present, it is likely that you do not have enough insulin in your body. This means you may need to increase your dose or give yourself an extra dose. You should also try to drink plenty of sugar-free fluids to prevent dehydration. And if you are feeling unwell, especially if you are vomiting, you should contact your diabetes healthcare team for advice.
E
EDUCATION CAN SAVE LIFE Finally educate those around you if you're diabetic, if around someone who is diabetic ask what to do, get them to educate you on the meter or ask were everything is, for a simple 5 minutes it can make the difference, keep this guide on your phone, even print it, what ever suits. Raise awarness remember HUGGIE Hypo/hyper Understand Get Testing Giving Glucose Insulin Education can save life
@DiabeticMe #diabeticme Some information from diabetesuk and other online resources