Ep 17 – Pour Some Sugar Down Me – Diabetic Emergencies

This week, the crew breaks down diabetic emergencies — from hypo vs. hyperglycemia to how sugar levels affect brain function and behavior. Mike, Max, and Jonathon dive into altered mental status, the role of insulin and glucose, and how EMTs assess and manage diabetic patients in the field.

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VIST OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE SPONSOR!!!

microdot / Cambridge Sensor

https://www.microdotcs.com

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Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro & “diabeetus” jokes, reports from class

07:10 – Understanding diabetic emergencies: hypo vs hyper

14:45 – Medical Term of the Week: Reticular Activating System (RAS)

28:20 – Altered mental status, AVPU, and when to suspect low sugar

47:50 – Treatment decisions: oral glucose, protocols, and field challenges

1:10:30 – Tools of the Trade: Glucometer (Sponsored by microdot)

1:20:40 – Student Tip of the Week: Angle your test strip to catch the blood drop cleanly

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.

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🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links

www.ridealong.bulletn.net