Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 8th Edition

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Wilderness and Rescue Medicine

Chapter 10 Review: Problems with Sugar

• Hypoglycemia is inadequate blood glucose levels resulting in brain failure. • Altered mental status in a diabetic is considered hypoglycemia until proven otherwise. • The immediate field treatment is glucose, orally or via an IV. Glucose can be administered rectally if it is the only available alternative. • A glucagon injector carried by the patient may be used if the patient is unresponsive. • Emergency evacuation is indicated if the patient does not respond fully to treatment. • Discontinuation of the trip may be advisable if blood glucose levels cannot be controlled.