Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and currently incurable condition in which the body is unable to regulate the glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. It occurs when the pancreas doesn't make enough or any of the hormone insulin, or when the insulin produced doesn't work effectively. In diabetes, this causes the level of glucose in the blood to be too high. It is managed by a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, sometimes requiring tablets or insulin.

Two conditions:

• Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

• A history of diabetes – casualty may recognise onset of ‘hypo’ attack
• Hunger (A missed or late meal can cause the onset of a ‘hypo’ attack for a diabetic.)
• Shallow breathing
• Weakness, faintness or hunger
• Palpitations and muscle tremors
• Strange behaviour – may seem confused or belligerent
• Sweating and cold clammy skin
• Pulse may be rapid and strong
• Deteriorating level of response
• Diabetic’s warning card, glucose gel, tablets, or insulin syringe in casualty’s possession.
  

• To get diagnosed casualty to regain control by raising the sugar content of the blood.
• Obtain medical aid if necessary.

• Sit the casualty down
• Offer a sweet drink or food
• If casualty improves, give him/her more to eat and drink.

• If condition does not improve look for other possible causes.
• If consciousness is impaired, do not give anything to eat or drink
• If unconscious, carry out ABC, remembering to call for an ambulance.