In a patient with diabetes displaying symptoms like diaphoresis and shivering, what is the first action you should take?

In a patient with diabetes presenting symptoms such as diaphoresis and shivering, the first action of checking the patient's blood glucose level is essential for accurate assessment and management. These symptoms can indicate hypoglycemia, but they can also be associated with other conditions.

By measuring the blood glucose level, you obtain critical and objective data that informs subsequent actions. If the patient's blood glucose is low, administering a fast-acting glucose source would be the appropriate next step. If the blood glucose level is normal or high, other causes for the symptoms need to be investigated. This initial step ensures that any interventions are appropriate and targeted, avoiding potential complications that could arise from treating the wrong condition.

Promptly checking the blood glucose level helps to clarify the patient's status and allows for timely and correct treatment, which is particularly vital in diabetic patients where both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can present with overlapping symptoms.