Reply #53: Glad this didn't happen at 30,000 ft. with the same crew [View All]

I can empathize as a Type 1. I always try to have my trusty can of coke handy, and test my bg levels several times daily, but there are still some "interesting" days. What can happen in a very bad diabetes-caused hypoglycemic event is that the body releases epinephrine (adrenaline), which can really energize the patient, even with lowered blood sugar. Over the years, I have punched a hole in the wall of my kitchen, put a serious dent in the refrigerator, and other things.

When I was living alone, what would generally happen was 'awakening' after several hours with a pounding headache, the shivers, and a state of confusion. The glucose release by the liver was enough to bring me around. Paramedics will try to induce this by injecting a patient with 'Glucagon'. Families of diabetics are also encouraged to have Glucagon in the house and to know how to use it.

One of the best preventatives for misunderstandings like what happened to this poor gentleman can be wearing a Medic Alert bracelet and/or other ID. Not saying he wasn't, it sounds like with this crew he could have had "Diabetic" tattooed on his forehead and it wouldn't have helped.