When to go to the ER

Prepared for hypoglycaemia always carrying a source of sugar with you.Copyright 2002 A.D.A a.m., Inc..

A diagnosis of diabetes can be very frightening and overwhelming. There is so much to learn. One of the most important things to know is how to recognize two very serious conditions, called hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). These can occur at any time and must be treated immediately to avoid a medical emergency.

Hyperglycemia occurs when you do not have enough insulin (if you Type 1), or that your insulin receptors do not work as they should be (Type 2). Perhaps your food intake was higher than you thought, or you were subjected to stress or illness. Hypergycemia may occur in insulin-dependent diabetics who miss a dose of insulin, or if they are sick or have an infection.

It is a good rule of thumb to check your urine ketones if your blood glucose is over 240 mg/dl. Hyperglycemia can evolve into a condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). When the blood sugar is too high, ketones begin to accumulate in the blood and it becomes too acidic. Cell damage can occur, and if it continues to advance, it can cause coma or death. CDA is in need of immediate medical intervention.

Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar decreases, usually less than 60 mg/dl although this varies from one person to another. Hypoglycemia may be treated at home if the symptoms are not severe and the sugar in the blood did not fall too low.

Take glucose tablets, or a glass of orange juice, or other sources of fast sugar like regular soda, cake decorating gel or a few cubes of sugar, can relieve the symptoms of a few minutes. If blood sugar levels tend to fall very low, very quickly, a person may exercise glucagon with them in addition to glucose tablets. Glucagon is an injection that stimulates the liver to release sugar in the blood. It can be self-administered and usually brings the sugar in the blood up to an acceptable level within 15 minutes.

Hypoglycemia can be fatal if treated, resulting in coma and death. If the sugar in the blood is very low, or if taking a form any sugar is falling outside the sugar in the blood, or if a person is unable to take in a source of sugar due to the loss of consciousness or vomitingIt is essential that the person receives emergency care as soon as possible.

If you have these symptoms please contact your health care provider or go to the emergency room.

Hyperglycemia The intense thirst increased urination nausea and vomiting deep and rapid breathing abdominal pain breath smell fruity loss of consciousnesshypoglycemia tremors or weakness, lack of coordination drowsiness or confusion headache dizziness Double vision Convulsions unconsciousness

When it comes to emergency care, use these symptoms as a guideline, but also listen to your instincts. If you think something is bad, it is never a bad idea to call your health care provider or go to an emergency room.

It is a good idea to have a sort of identification that enables to know that you have diabetes, as an emblem of bracelet or wearable ID emergency personnel. He can speak for you, when you are unable to speak for yourself.