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Posted By Tracey C
I wonder if someone could help me with the following:
We have a member of staff who has just been diagnosed with diabetees. I have sent her a questionnaire to help us write her risk assessment and ensure we have covered everything, but there is one point i am not sure of. She is showing her boss how to take her blood sugar levels and how to give her the injections. I am sure i have read somewhere that members of staff are not allowed to do this incase they get things wrong. Am i right or have i been dreaming again?
Any comments would help.
Many Thanks
T
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Posted By Steve Derby
I am no expert on this but I think you need to find someone who is, as this worries me.
As I understand it the injections are for insulin. This is given because the body is not producing it naturally. This then has to be balanced with "sugar" ie appropriate food.
Too much sugar causes an illness of very gradual onset, but too little sugar (or too much insulin) can cause a very rapid and potentially fatal collapse.
If so, she should be able to give herself insulin as appropriate, but may require assistance if she suffers from "hypoglycemia" (too little sugar). In this instance she would require sugary foods and drinks if still conscious or rapid medical help if unconscious. Should anyone inject her with insulin whilst she was suffering from a lack of sugar I would imagine it would make things considerably worse.
I'm assuming the injection is insulin as i am not aware that glucose is issued in this form.
Regards
Steve
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Posted By Steve Derby
Oops, may have mis-interpreted your question.
Is she a bit squeamish about needles, and therefore asking her boss to take the readings and inject her as a matter of routine?
Steve
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Posted By Tracey C
Hi Steve
You got it right the first time. I have asked her to speak to her GP with regards to emergency procedures and i think i will contact the diabettes society to get a bit more knowledge.
But many thanks for you input.
Regards
T
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Posted By MT
I was certainly told during first aid training that the only treatment you should ever administer to a diabetic is sugar. If they are hypo it'll help, if they are hyper it won't do any harm (so I was told). Summon medical help, and tell them what you have given.
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Posted By Fred Pratley
I have had a little experience of diabetics and by and large most are extremely good at managing their condition.
It is true that some diabetics can and do very suddenly develop a problem - usually low sugar- and I have found it much better to have staff establish a "buddy" relationship with each other as many diabetics have tell tale signs when they are "going off". Often sudden change in behaviour or mood which can be learned.
The solution is often just a polite word that will trigger the diabetic to make a check on themselves.
One person I dealt with used to become angry and "stroppy" as opposed to his normal pleasant self. Once pointed out to him, a quick sip of hypostop would put him back to rights.
Making sure that the diabetic stops to take their tea break and does not overlook a sweet biscuit on time are things to keep a check on.
As for injecting someone, if that seems necessary, call an ambulance!
You will get lots of advice over the phone while an ambulance is sent and unless you are in a very remote area, you can bank on it arriving inside of 20 minutes.
Hope this is of some help.
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Posted By Debbie S
We employed someone who was an insulin dependant diabetic and unfortunately he went through a very unstable period where he expereinced a lot of hypos - one of which resulted in him being almost comatose on the floor of the toilets - in that instance we had to dial 999 and an ambulance arrived in less than 5 minutes and they dealt with the problem.
When I did his risk assessment one of the controls that we put in place (and on the advise of his GP whom we consulted with) was that a couple of bottles of lucozade were kept in the office. If he felt 'funny' and they can tell when they are about to go hypo as they sweat profusely - his team gave him lucozade which brought him road and he was then able to his own blood check etc.
We also informed his work colleagues (although this took some persuasion as he is a very private person) of his condition
The British Diabetics website is full of very useful information.
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Posted By Glen Grace
Hi,
I am a diabetic and although there are 'sugar jabs' available I would not expect a work colleague to inject me with one. The injection should be given by a trained person i.e. a nurse or paramedic.
The person in question should carry some sugar with them in the form of lucozade tablets or dextrosol. I carry a packet with me and also have one in my car.They should also have a card or medic alert bracelet/necklace stating they are diabetic.
If a person was to have a hypo (low blood sugar)an ambulance should be called straight away.
It is vital that the people working in the nearby areas are aware as they will be the ones to spot the person having the hypo and be able to assist.
Another thing to consider is the person's ability to work shifts or drive for the company. Although I expect that they can not be stopped under DDA regulations, suitable control measures should be implemented.
If I can assist any more, please drop me a mail.
Regards
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Posted By Tracey C
Thank you all for your input. This forum is a God send to me, i do rely on other safety professionals views as at present i don't have anybody to bounce thoughts and ideas off.
Fondest
Tx
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