I'm a T1 diabetic. This is quite false. What you're describing are the symptoms of hypoglycemia; a very low blood sugar level. Not only would insulin not help in that case, but would probably be fatal. The best way to treat hypoglycemia is fast acting source of sugar, such as orange juice, or in more extreme cases, a shot of glycogen.
Complications of high blood sugar level don't develop suddenly. It's a relatively slow process that takes weeks or months. There is a medical emergency, called diabetic ketoacidosis, that results from high blood sugar level. However, that takes months of untreated high sugar levels, combined with dehydration, to develop.
A diabetic without insulin will, with time, develop a ton of serious complications. However, none of them are sudden, and certainly don't lead to a "quick loss of higher brain functions".
As a paramedic, I appreciate your comments on this.
Acute hypoglycemia, as you mentioned, we treat with sugars, either oral glucose, or IV dextrose. Complex sugars are of course better.
I will take issue with this, however:
> Complications of high blood sugar level don't develop suddenly. It's a relatively slow process that takes weeks or months. There is a medical emergency, called diabetic ketoacidosis, that results from high blood sugar level. However, that takes months of untreated high sugar levels, combined with dehydration, to develop.
You can begin to notice symptoms of DKA in as little as 24 hours, and high acuity incidents can happen with a matter of days to a week or so.
But yes, you're right that it will not be something that has such rapid onset as described by the parent.
> You can begin to notice symptoms of DKA in as little as 24 hours, and high acuity incidents can happen with a matter of days to a week or so.
Interesting. Can they really develop in a single day starting from a "normal" BG level, without a longer period of elevated BG beforehand?
I guess I should have also been more precise in my comment. I was mostly referring to the severe form where actual coma can occur. Still, I'm surprised it can develop in only a couple of days.
Complications of high blood sugar level don't develop suddenly. It's a relatively slow process that takes weeks or months. There is a medical emergency, called diabetic ketoacidosis, that results from high blood sugar level. However, that takes months of untreated high sugar levels, combined with dehydration, to develop.
A diabetic without insulin will, with time, develop a ton of serious complications. However, none of them are sudden, and certainly don't lead to a "quick loss of higher brain functions".