Diabetic clients — low/high blood sugar signs and your role

Know the signs: LOW blood sugar (shaky, sweaty, confused, irritable) needs fast action per the care plan — if the client is conscious help them take their fast-acting sugar; if unconscious, call 911. Blood glucose testing and insulin require nurse delegation.

1. 1LOW blood sugar (hypoglycemia) — comes on fast: shakiness, sweating, sudden confusion, irritability, hunger, weakness. Follow the care plan (usually juice or glucose tabs the client takes themselves). Recheck how they feel; report the episode today.
2. 2Unconscious or unable to swallow: call 911 — never put food or liquid in their mouth.
3. 3HIGH blood sugar (hyperglycemia) — slower: extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, fruity breath, drowsiness. Report the same day; fruity breath with vomiting or confusion → call the nurse line or 911.
4. 4Your scope: you may assist with medication the client self-directs. Blood glucose testing and insulin injection require Nurse Delegation training AND current delegation for this client.
5. 5Support the plan: serve meals on schedule, note skipped meals, watch feet and skin (report any sore), encourage prescribed diet.
6. 6Report and document every episode: time, signs, what was taken, how the client responded.

For diabetic clients even small foot sores matter — they heal poorly and can become serious. Report any blister, redness, or cut on the feet the day you see it.