7 Diabetes Emergency Signs You Must Know!
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a serious condition that occurs when your blood sugar level drops too low. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:
- Shakiness
- Anxiety
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Hunger
- A feeling of tingling on your skin
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Difficulty speaking
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is another serious condition that occurs when your blood sugar level rises too high. Symptoms of hyperglycemia can include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness or weakness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain
- Fruity breath odor
- A very dry mouth
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of ketones. Ketones are chemicals that your body makes when it breaks down fat for energy. Symptoms of DKA can include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Rapid breathing
- Fruity breath odor
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Severe diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. Symptoms of severe diabetic retinopathy can include:
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
- Dark spots in your vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Nephropathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the kidneys. Nephropathy can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of nephropathy can include:
- Foamy urine
- Protein in the urine
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in your feet and ankles
- Peripheral neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the nerves in your hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in your hands and feet. It can also make it difficult to feel hot or cold, and can make it difficult to walk.
- Gastroparesis is a complication of diabetes that affects the stomach. Gastroparesis slows down the movement of food through your stomach. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Diabetes emergencies can be life-threatening, but prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Here are some tips to help you prevent diabetes emergencies:
- Check your blood sugar regularly. This will help you identify and treat high or low blood sugar levels early on.
- Take your medications as prescribed. This will help keep your blood sugar levels under control.
- Eat a healthy diet. This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise helps your body use glucose for energy.
- Take care of your feet. This includes keeping your feet clean and dry, and inspecting them for cuts and sores regularly.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing diabetes emergencies.