Preventing Diabetes Related Emergencies

Diabetes Management: Tips to Avoid Emergencies

For those living with diabetes, it's important to be aware of the potential for diabetes related emergencies. By understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek care, you can help prevent serious complications. Here are some tips on how to manage your diabetes and avoid emergency situations.

What is a Diabetes Related Emergency?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. This can happen when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of a Diabetes Related Emergency

Symptoms may include extreme thirst, confusion, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help immediately.

• Severe low blood sugar (glucose) levels. This can cause confusion, drowsiness, and even loss of consciousness.
• High blood sugar (glucose) levels. This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
• Diabetic coma. This is a medical emergency that requires hospitalization. Symptoms include extreme drowsiness, shallow breathing, and unresponsiveness. If not treated immediately, a diabetic coma can be fatal.

Other symptoms may include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical care immediately.

When to Seek Care

If you experience any of the symptoms of a diabetes related emergency, it's important to seek medical care right away. Diabetes related emergencies can be very serious and can lead to complications such as coma or even death.

Tips for Avoiding Diabetes Related Emergencies

In general, taking good care of your body can help prevent worsening many chronic conditions — including diabetes. There are several things that you can do to help prevent diabetes emergencies, including:

• Monitoring your blood sugar levels
• Following a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Taking your medications as prescribed

Managing Your Health at

If you have diabetes, it's important to follow these tips to help avoid an emergency situation. At , we can help you optimize your diabetes self-management skills.  Our team at St. John’s offers a wide range of services to help you manage your overall health and take preventative care of you and your family. To find your family's physician, visit our website today.