The emergency management of the diabetic at home

The urgent admission to hospital of diabetic patients is often precipitated by hypoglycaemia, by vomiting or by ketoacidosis following cessation insulin therapy. By the use of simple agents, such as glucagon, lemonade and quick-acting insulin, such episodes can usually be averted in the early stages by the diabetic, his family and his doctor. These preventive measures keep the diabetic at work or at school and out of hospital, but require the provision of a simple emergency kit.