10 Emergency Signs You Should Lookout For

Extremely high blood sugar (hyperglycemia):

• Blood sugar levels exceeding 400 mg/dL: This can lead to dehydration, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and even coma.

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Hyperglycemia meter

2. Extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia):

• Blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL: Symptoms include sweating, shakiness, confusion, dizziness, and even seizures or loss of consciousness.

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Hypoglycemia meter

3. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA):

• Fruity-smelling breath, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing: DKA is a serious complication of high blood sugar that requires immediate medical attention.

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Diabetic ketoacidosis

4. Diabetic coma:

• Confusion, disorientation, unconsciousness: A diabetic coma is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

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Diabetic coma

5. Sudden changes in vision:

• Blurred vision, double vision, vision loss: These can be signs of diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye complication of diabetes.

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Diabetic retinopathy

6. Slow-healing wounds or infections:

• Foot ulcers, gangrene, skin infections: Diabetes can impair circulation and wound healing, making infections more likely and serious.

7. Extreme fatigue or weakness:

• Unexplained tiredness, difficulty performing daily activities: This could be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes or other complications.

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Extreme fatigue

8. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet:

• Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy): This can be a painful and debilitating complication of diabetes.

wwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diabetic neuropathy

9. Uncontrollable urination or thirst:

• Frequent urination, excessive thirst, even at night: These are classic symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes.

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Excessive thirst

10. Unexplained weight loss:

• Rapid weight loss, despite normal or increased appetite: This could be a sign of DKA or other serious complications.

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Unexplained weight loss

Remember, if you notice any of these signs in someone with diabetes, call emergency services immediately. Early intervention can make a big difference in their outcome. It’s also crucial for people with diabetes to have a glucagon emergency kit readily available and know how to use it in case of severe hypoglycemia.

By being aware of these emergency signs and taking action quickly, you can help someone with diabetes stay safe and healthy.