Diabetic Emergencies - Hypoglycaemia
Fred, your brittle diabetic patient, comes in pale, confused and sweaty. After you have checked your own pulse, what is your FIRST priority of care?
Test your knowledge
Test your knowledge in the following clinical case and clinical update from Dr Justin Coleman with this 15 minute excerpt from our Emergencies in General Practice course:
Log your CPD
We encourage you to self-report this learning activity based on the learning objectives above. We have allocated 15 minutes of RP and 15 minutes of EA. This may include self reflection on the following points:
-
Review of your current clinic protocols for managing diabetic emergencies including access to fast acting carbohydrates and administration of glucagon
-
Review of patient education for monitoring blood glucose levels, recognising symptoms of diabetic emergencies, and knowing how to use glucagon kits effectively
-
Review of clinic supplies for fast acting carbohydrates including glucagon with respect to stock levels and expiration dates
-
Identify symptoms of hypoglycaemia indicating a diabetic emergency
-
Describe the role of fast acting and long acting carbohydrates for managing diabetic emergencies
-
Identify when glucagon for severe hypoglycaemia including when it is necessary, the correct method of administration and post-administration care
Related Courses
Susan is the Head of Nursing Education for the Medcast Group.
DipAppScNsg, BN, CritCareCert, CoronaryCareCert, TraumaNsgCareCert, CertIV(TAE), MN(Ed), and GradCert(Ldrshp & Mgt).
Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.
Learn moreMedcast Medical Education Team
Women suffering from endometriosis often experience diagnostic delay. This FastTrack fact sheet provides a concise summary of the diagnosis and management of endometriosis, including the role of hormone therapy and indications for referral. 30min RP and 30min EA CPD available with the quiz.
Medcast Medical Education Team
From 1 Nov 2025, the Australian government is making important changes with the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP). This FastTrack is a concise summary of how to make the most of the BBPIP, from registration, eligibility considerations, and a step-by-step approach to preparing your practice for the changes.
Medcast Medical Education Team
Two of the four core palliative care medicines are clonazepam and haloperidol, used respectively to manage anxiety and emesis in end-of-life patients. This FastTrack highlights the role of the GP in treating these two common symptoms, focusing on pharmacological strategies. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.