When does Diabetes become a Sugar Land Emergency?

If you or someone you love has diabetes, it’s vital to work with your primary care provider to help with diabetes management. However, a Sugar Land emergency can happen at any time. Therefore, you should also know the signs of a diabetes emergency and when to seek emergency room care.

Signs of a Sugar Land Emergency Connected to Diabetes

One way you can help prevent diabetic emergencies is to work with your doctor to get your blood sugar levels under control. However, it’s also important to know the signs of a Sugar Land emergency so you can get help as soon as possible. 

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can happen if you give yourself too much insulin, skip a meal, or delay eating. It’s where you have blood sugar less than 70 mg/dL.

Some signs of severe low blood sugar include:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Feeling nervous or irritable
• Feeling shaky
• Hunger
• Rapid heartbeat
• Tingling in your mouth
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If you think you’re suffering from hypoglycemia, the American Diabetes Association recommends following the 15/15 rule. This is where you eat 15 grams of carbs and wait 15 minutes. Test your blood sugar to see if it raises above 70 mg/dL. However, if it does not, eat more carbs and test again in 15 minutes.

For this rule, 15 grams of carbs is defined as:

• 3-4 glucose tablets
• 1 tbsp of honey or sugar
• 4 oz. of fruit juice or regular soda

However, if you still have low blood sugar after following these directions, it could be a Sugar Land emergency, so seek medical care as soon as possible.

Hyperglycemia

By contrast, hyperglycemia is high blood sugar. It happens when you don’t have enough insulin or your body isn’t responding to insulin. 

Some signs of hyperglycemia include:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Headache
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue

Hyperglycemia can turn into a Sugar Land emergency. For example, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome, which can be life-threatening.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a Sugar Land Emergency

Diabetic ketoacidosis happens when your body doesn’t have enough insulin to use the glucose in your blood, so it starts breaking down fat for energy. However, this makes your body release ketones, which can be toxic in high levels.

If you notice these signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, visit your Sugar land emergency clinic for medical attention:

• Fruity smell on the breath
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty breathing
• Dry or flushed skin
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue

If a ketone test shows that you have ketones in your body and your blood sugar levels are 240 mg/dL or higher, then the American Diabetes Association recommends seeking medical help. 

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome needs Sugar Land Emergency Care

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HSS) occurs when blood sugar levels are extremely high, at 600 mg/dL or higher. However, unlike diabetic ketoacidosis, there are few or no ketones. HSS is a diabetes emergency. Therefore, find emergency medical care if you notice symptoms of HSS.

Some symptoms of HSS include:

• Weak, rapid heartbeat
• Low-grade fever
• Seizures, loss of consciousness
• Temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dry mouth

Seeking care as soon as possible is important to help with early treatment to reduce the risk of further complications.

State-of-the-Art Sugar Land Emergency Care

If you need quick, advanced Sugar Land emergency care, choose our team at St. Michael’s Elite Hospital. We offer short wait times and state-of-the-art care from board-certified physicians. Our doctors even follow up with you after your visit to provide personalized service and care. Call us today at (281) 980-4357 to learn more or let us know you’re on your way! We’re here to help you feel better again.