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Andy Wayne said: ↑
I read you can use a tube of cake icing if they’re unconscious in their mouth/gums to be absorbed through the skin. That way they won’t choke on it.
I’m an EMT and this works quite well. Just remember to smear it on the gums or under the tongue. Don’t just squirt it into their mouth.Hi Landwire,
The thing I learned early on is that diabetes is a very manageable disease.
There are a number of good resources.
First – Push your healthcare system to see if you can get some time with a diabetic educator. These folks will spend the 1v1 time that you need to get informed.
Second – go the the American Diabetes Association website and if you are inclined join the Type 1 message boards there – you will find 100″s of people just like yourself in the exact same situation as you are. http://www.diabetes.org
Also – there is a group called “Taking Care of your Diabetes”. They conduct yearly forums around the country and are another strong resource. I recommend them to anyone. Here is the link http://tcoyd.org/homepage.php
Once you understand exactly what is going on – and the treatment options – you will feel more secure.
KM
It been a week now. So far the nephew is adjusting fairly well for his age. Still has some brief moments of frustration, but that is expected. His doctor has got him on some type of injection pen. Mainly due to easier usage while in school. Let see what next week brings.
Thanks again for all the helpful advice.
Thanks. It’s neat helping a newly diagnosed diabetic realize that the grocery store is not their enemy.
Chmsam:
Excellent post! Best thing I did after getting diagnosed was going to see a nutrionist. Counting carbs was the best way for me to manage my blood sugar.
Your support for him is a big help and admirable. I’ll add a few suggestions and also some things to think about.
As for what to add to your FAK, others have already said about all you should need is glucose and carbs. Your being aware of his diabetes and knowing what to do if his levels go out of whack will probably be enough. He’s more than likely going to have everything he needs with him already.
As for being able to carry his supplies since some meds might require refrigeration and to keep everything organized, how about just using a thermal lunch bag and kill two birds with one stone? If it’s a bright color it’ll be easy to find and still won’t advertise that there are meds and needles in it. Most of them are cushioned to at least some degree and it would still have plenty of room for food as well.
Once the initial shock of the diagnosis wears off and after the flood of information sorts out, you should next learn about food. I work with food and I am amazed at the number of people who think it is only about sugar or think that there is never going to be a tasty meal again. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nutrition is important and a change in diet can open up a whole new world of flavors. Big opportunities for health and enjoyment here! Learn a bit about what’s written on those labels on the side of packages and cans. Learn about spices and flavorings — this will literally help spice up a meal but also help you with hidden sugars and carbs.
He’ll have to learn to watch his weight. Some meds will give him cravings and others make gaining weight too easy. Again, the nutrition label is your friend. There are also a lot of recipe web sites and not just dietetic ones, that list nutritional info for the meals you cook. Exercise is important too not only for weight but to keep levels in balance.
Hydration is important and often neglected or comes up as an after thought. Water helps a lot. Beware of caffeine though since some studies show that is blocks insulin absorption.
He should do well once he learns how to get his levels within range and keep them there. The American Diabetes Association has a pretty good paperback, “Complete Guide to Diabetes” with a ton of info and it’s cheap.
Thank you to everyone who has responded. I have been learning so much this past week and I feel that I still know nothing. I have registered with several diabetic forums. A lot of great information, but most of the members do not have an EDC mindset beyond their immediate medical concerns. My nephew just recently turned 13. He stayed home from school this week so he can concentrate on getting a routine of some sort for his testings, shots, etc… The reality of the situation is beginning to take hold, but so far he is taking everything in good strides.
You should have multiple glucagen-kits. One usually isn’t enough to prevent a secundairy hypoglycemia on unconscious patients. Also, the syringes and vials are glass, so one could be damaged. 2 is 1, 1 is none and all that…
I have been a type I diabetic for 8 years. It stops me from doing very little. My big test was going camping for a week last summer. I had zero problems and my blood sugar levels were near perfect. I carry a small pouch on my belt that holds my blood test equipment and extra batteries for my insulin pump, a Streamlight Nano flashlight, bandaids and a small tube of icing. In my trunk is my jumbo versipack with extra pump supplies, snacks and needles. The needles are a back up in case there is a problem with my pump or the pump is accidently ripped from my body. I recommend your nephew getting a medical ID bracelet or necklace. I wear mine all the time. Being diagnosed with diabetes is a lot to take but it is a manageable disease and there are far worse things out there. Feel free to email or pm me with questions. One last thing, my blood sugar levels greatly improved when I went on the pump and I had less low blood sugars, especially at night when I was sleeping.
Andy Wayne said:
I read you can use a tube of cake icing if they’re unconscious in their mouth/gums to be absorbed through the skin. That way they won’t choke on it.
Sublingual is good fast way to get glucose absorbed and into your body. Honey packets, gluco gel, frosting, etc all work for this. From the EDC angle, be aware that packets love to burst and leak inside your bag. Stuff one inside a film canister or test strip bottle before it goes in your bag.JIM said:
– insulin pens
– syringes+needles
– test-strips/meter
– 2 Glucagen hypokits
– oral glucose jel
– energy bars (rich in carbs)
Type 1 diabetic for 29 years myself.
Good list, I would add a writing pen and log book for keeping track of your numbers.I think 2 Glycogen syringes is overkill, I don’t personally carry one myself but I see the advantage.
Food and water are not part of my diabetic kit, but are a top priority in my edc. Functional and palatable snacks are great, low’s can be accompanied by irritability. Nothing worse than trying to force a disoriented/irate diabetic to eat gluco gel.
Hydration is very important for highs, the body will be flushing the kidneys of ketones. Need to be replacing that water. I EDC a 1 L water bottle with me at all times, and I am not afraid to refill it as sinks/fountains.
How old is your nephew? When I was young I found a diabetes summer camp to be a great source of info and support. I still volunteer as staff at the diabetes camp I atteneded as a kid.
Diabetes can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Test often, record your sugars, count carbs and regular visits to a trusted doctor, thats my formula for success.
Pack a protein snack of some kind to. The glucose works quickly and the protein helps keep his blood sugar even.
JIM said:
Any insulin-dependant diabetic should carry at all times:– insulin pens
– syringes+needles
– test-strips/meter
– 2 Glucagen hypokits
– oral glucose jel
– energy bars (rich in carbs)
+1!!! on those energy bars. I carry oatmeal Clif bars. It’s very convenient if I can’t get to a meal on time when I’m out and about.
