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- Overview
- Causes and types
- Severe hypoglycemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome
- Infections
- Diabetes complications
- What to do in an emergency
- Prevention
Diabetes symptoms can sometimes turn into an emergency quickly and suddenly. It is important to know the signs of an emergency and what to do if one arises.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 12.6 percent of the population in the United States have diabetes, with or without a diagnosis.
In the past, diabetes was often fatal, but recent progress in science and medication mean that most people with diabetes can now enjoy a normal lifespan.
However, the CDC state that diabetes, or complications related to it, is still the seventh most frequent form of death in the U.S., and it was responsible for nearly 25 deaths in every 100,000 in 2016.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), greater susceptibility to infections, and a range of complications all increase the risk.
Knowing the signs and being able to respond promptly may save lives. Read on to find out how and why diabetes can become dangerous, and what to do about it.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes prevent the body from managing blood sugar levels effectively.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes reduces the body’s ability to respond to insulin. Consequently, the body does not produce enough insulin to manage the glucose in the body.
Most diabetic emergencies relate to disruptions in a person’s blood sugar levels, but complications relating to diabetes can also lead to problems.
Here are some of the most common emergencies that can arise, their warning signs, and what to do.
Hypoglycemia happens when blood sugar levels are too low, usually below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).
Without treatment, such low levels of blood sugar can lead to seizures and become life-threatening. It is a medical emergency. However, it is easy to put right in the short-term as long as a person recognizes the signs.
Hypoglycemia can occur for many reasons, but, in diabetes, it usually stems from the use of insulin or other medications that control blood sugar.
Blood sugar levels may drop dangerously low when a person:
•takes more insulin than they need for their current food intake or exercise levels
•consumes too much alcohol
Early warning signs
The person may notice: •increased thirst •the need to urinate more frequently •headaches •blurry vision •fatigue Tests will show high levels of sugar in the blood and urine.
Action to take
In mild cases, ways of resolving this include: •exercising more •eating less •changing the dose of insulin or other medication However, very high blood sugar levels can lead to life-threatening complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. If symptoms worsen or if a person experiences difficulty breathing or has a very dry mouth or a fruity smell on their breath, they should see a doctor as soon as possible. Click here to find out more about hyperglycemia.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to allow glucose to enter the cells properly.
The cells do not have enough glucose to use for energy, so, instead, the body breaks down fat for fuel.
When this happens, the body produces substances known as ketones. High levels of ketones are toxic because they can raise the acidity levels of the blood.
Reasons why DKA might happen include:
•low insulin levels, due to not taking insulin or because another factor stops the insulin from working correctly
•not eating enough
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) occurs when blood sugar levels become dangerously high, usually above 600 mg/dl.
This may happen with or without DKA, and it can be life-threatening.
People with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes are more prone to HHS, but people without diabetes — or a without diagnosis of diabetes — might experience it.
According to the AAFP, the following factors may increase the risk:
•infections, including pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, and sepsis
•the use of some medications, including some psychiatric treatments and diuretics, which can lead to dehydration
Researchers note that the processes that occur with diabetes can also affect the immune system.
As a result, a person with diabetes will have a higher chance of developing an infection. When a person has diabetes, any symptoms and complications of an infection may be more severe and possibly life-threatening.
Common infections that can occur with diabetes include:
•skin infections that can lead to ulceration
•urinary tract infections, which may spread to the kidneys
•ear infections
Diabetes can harm almost every system in the body and increase the risk of many other diseases.
People with diabetes can experience a range of problems, including:
•cardiovascular disease, which may lead to a heart attack or a stroke
•poor circulation that leads to ulcers in the legs
•vision loss
•kidney failure
A diabetic emergency happens when symptoms relating to diabetes overwhelm the body.
At this point, home treatment is unlikely to help, and delaying medical care could cause permanent damage or death.
Some of the signs that can indicate a serious problem include:
•chest pain that radiates down the arm
•difficulty breathing
•a fever
It is not always possible to prevent an emergency, but being able to recognize the signs can improve the chances of early treatment and a full recovery.
Strategies that can help to reduce the risk of an emergency include:
Following the treatment plan: Use medications as a doctor prescribes and keep in touch with the healthcare team. If a person cannot remember whether or not they took their last dose of drugs, they should ask a doctor before taking a further dose. This can help to prevent hypoglycemia. Anyone who notices a change in their symptoms should see a doctor.
Eating healthful, balanced, regular meals: People who use insulin or other medications that lower blood glucose should ask their doctor about what foods to eat, how much, and when, in order to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Small, frequent meals are better than fewer larger meals.
Limiting alcohol and sugary drinks: These drinks contain carbs, which can raise blood sugar and contribute to obesity. Alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of other health conditions.
Treating infections early: Diabetes can compromise the immune system and the body’s organs, making it easier for infections to develop. Prompt treatment can prevent minor problems from becoming more serious.
Advice on when to contact your health-care provider or go to the emergency room. Note : Although the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in adults and in children share general principles, there are significant differences in their application, largely related to the increased risk of life-threatening cerebral edema with DKA ...
Sep 6, 2024 · You should call your healthcare provider or 911 if you have diabetes and the following: Your blood sugar is 300 mg/dL or higher two times in a row for an unknown reason. You have low blood sugar that has not come up after three treatments.
When should I see my health care provider or go to an Emergency Department? You may need to see your health care provider or go to the Emergency Department if you: . vomit 2 times or more in a 12 hour period. have stomach pain and nausea that will not go away. have diarrhea that does not stop or is getting worse.
Nov 9, 2020 · Diabetes makes you two to four times more likely to have a heart attack. Be sure you know the Common Signs of a Heart Attack so you can immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Stroke. Diabetes can make the effects of a stroke even more severe on your body.
Mar 19, 2024 · If you’re experiencing symptoms such as high blood sugar with vomiting and extreme thirst, go to the emergency room. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) requires immediate medical treatment.
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related to: when should i go to the emergency room for diabetes symptomsType 1 Diabetes Could Be Spotted With Screening Before Symptoms Are Noticeable. Read More. Discover the Screening Option That’s Best for You. Take the Pledge Today.
Omnipod® 5 offers tubeless, discreet insulin control for those with T1 or T2 diabetes. Omnipod® 5, the only tubeless insulin delivery system that automatically adjusts insulin.
The Multi-Organ Impact of T2DM May Need a Multifaceted Approach to Treatment. Check to See Your Patients' Eligibility for a Type 2 Diabetes Treatment.
