Medical Conditions: Diabetes and Stroke

FALSE: An incorrect dosage can prove fatal. Let the patient manage their own insulin injections. If you are concerned that the patient is in a confused state, then call 999.

TRUE

TRUE: There may be another reason why the patient is confused. For instance, a diabetic patient can easily become hypothermic

FALSE: The sugar will raise their blood glucose levels, but that sugar can be quickly used up which will lead to another ‘hypo’.

FALSE: Do not put anything in the mouth of an unconscious person, it could lead to a fatal choking incident.

True: Facial droop, arm weakness, and any speech problem (slurred words, being unable to get the words out, or using the wrong words), could all be symptoms of a stroke.

FALSE: An intense headache, sometimes described as an ‘explosion’ going off in their head, loss of balance, visual problems are less common symptoms but anything that the brain is not working properly could be a stroke.

FALSE: Lay the person on their back, head and shoulders raised. This will help reduce the pressure in the brain slightly. Tilt the head to the weaker side so saliva can easily drain away. If the airway becomes a problem, then put them in the recovery position.

TRUE: The patient needs assessment by an ambulance crew, who can then transport to the nearest Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) which may not be in your nearest hospital.

TRUE: Sometimes the symptoms can resolve spontaneously, but you can not be sure how this will develop. Always call 999 as soon as you see symptoms of a stroke. The quicker a patient can get to a HASU for assessment and treatment, the better. Some treatments can only be started a short time after the onset of symptoms.