John Bradstreet is an experienced Biochemist with extensive knowledge in nutritional supplementation. He has more than 25 years of increasing responsibility in his field. To learn more about blood sugar (glucose) control we have included additional links at the bottom of the page to help educate you on the subject. You are also invited to visit our Vitamin and Supplement Blog for information on this and other subjects.
If you or anyone you know are experiencing symptoms of diabetes it is important to seek medical care. This is true even if the person is not known to be diabetic. When making the appointment tell them that you are concerned with diabetes. This way your healthcare provider may make arrangements for blood sugar testing before your visit. It is estimated that over 40 million people have diabetes and do not know it.
If the person is known to be diabetic call your healthcare provider immediately if any of the following apply to their situation.
If the patient's blood sugar levels are not being controlled with normal treatment or their blood sugar levels remain above 200mg/dL consistently. Blood sugar levels remaining high persistently is the main factor in triggering complications.
You must also be concerned if blood sugar levels fall below 60 mg/dL. This can be a sign of infection, kidney failure, liver failure or adrenal gland failure. It can also be an indication that the treatment plan that is being followed is too aggressive. In either case your doctor needs to be aware.
When a person has any injury to their feet or legs, no matter how small. Even a small or minor cut can be serious for a person with diabetes. Receiving treatment for any problems with the person's lower extremities is very important. This is why many people with this disease receive regular diabetic foot care. It is critical in preserving function of the legs and avoiding amputation.
Infections can be much more serious for people with diabetes than other people. A low grade fever, usually below 101.5 F, can be a sign of infection. Make special note of any conditions such as painful urination, chest pain, redness or swelling on the skin or abdominal pain. This will help your doctor to pinpoint the source of the infection.
If the patient can keep liquids down but has nausea or vomiting you need to let your doctor know immediately. He or she may want to adjust the medications while the patient is still sick and recommend an urgent office visit or a visit to the emergency room. Persistent nausea or vomiting can be a sign of ketoacidosis, which can be a life threatening condition.
If the patient has a non healing sore or ulcer on their feet or legs you should see your doctor. These types of sores can be easily evaluated with an office visit provided the patient does not have a fever and their blood sugar levels are under control.
When contacting the healthcare provider let them know that you are concerned about someone with diabetes. They will probably have you speak to a nurse who can ask questions a recommend a further course of action. Be prepared to have this conversation. Have a list of medications being taken, medical problems, allergies to any medicines and a blood sugar diary handy. This will help them determine the urgency of the situation and proceed with the best plan of action.
EMERGENCY CARE
There may be times that an emergency 911 call is in order. The following are some of the diabetic emergencies that would necessitate such a call.
If a person is showing signs of an altered mental state such as forgetfulness, agitation or just behavior that is not normal for them this may be a sign of low blood sugar. In a situation like this try giving them fruit juice or cake icing, avoid hard candies that could cause choking. If the person does not come back to their normal mental state within 15 minutes call 911 immediately.
If the person can not keep food, water or medication down this may be a sign of ketoacidosis or other complications. If the person has not taken their latest medications do not administer them without taking to a medical professional. If the person already has low blood sugar taking medication may push them to dangerously low levels.
If the person has a temperature of 101.5 F or higher. In this case if your primary care provider can not see them right away seek emergency care. Make note of any symptoms such as abdominal or chest pain.
If the patients has a blood sugar level of 400 mg/dL or higher this can be a sign of serious complications. When their primary care physician can not see them right away call 911. These complications can lead to death.
Other conditions that may require immediate medical care would be large wounds greater than 1 inch in diameter that are not healing properly, chest pain or severe abdominal pain.
If a person has to go to the emergency room make sure someone who can speak for them is present to give emergency personnel the information they need to treat them quickly and effectively.
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