b'Chapter hapterHow to ManageHypoglycaemiaConscious PatientGive the patient sugar by mouth such as a spoonful of honey, sweetened drink like cordial ororange juice with added sugar. This allows rapid absorption of sugar into the blood. Do not give diet soft drinks as these do not contain sugar.Continue checking their progress.Unconscious or Drowsy or unable to swallowPlace the patient into the recovery position.Call Ambulance 000.Do not give the patient anything by mouth.Closely monitor patient for response, airway, normal breathing while waiting for Ambulance. How to ManageHyperglycaemiaIf the patient has a diabetes management plan then that plan should be followed.If the patient has no management plan and has symptoms or signs of hyperglycaemia they should be referred to medical help.If you are in doubt.Is the blood sugar level high or low?If you are in doubt whether a diabetic patient has high or low blood sugar, treat as for hypoglycaemia by giving a sugary drink or food.Treatment may lead to improvement if the blood glucose level is low and is unlikely to do harm if the blood glucose level is high.If they do not improve quickly, call 000.Use of blood glucose measuring devices (Glucometers)If trained to do so and a glucometer is available, checking the patients blood glucose level will guide management, and can confirm hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia.Normal blood glucose concentrations are between 4.0 and 7.8 mmol/L.Hypoglycaemia is defined as a blood glucose level less than 3.0 mmol/L,Symptoms of hypoglycaemia may look like other conditions such as stroke, epilepsy or migraine.If trained, checking a blood glucose will help diagnose hypoglycaemia.Hyperglycaemia is defined as a blood glucose level above the normal range.Severe hyperglycaemia is defined as a blood glucose concentration greater than 15 mmol/L.Medical Emergencies 201'