Information regarding diabetes and day-to-day living with the disease.
Anyone experiencing any known symptoms of diabetes should contact their family
doctor. When you call to make the appointment, be sure to tell the scheduler
you have a concern about diabetes. They may ask you to have a blood sugar test
before you see the doctor.
If you know you have diabetes, you need to watch your health and call your
doctor right away if you start experiencing the symptoms linked to diabetes.
This is usually a sign that your blood sugar level is not being controlled.
Your doctor may need to make an adjustment in your medications. If you are
testing your blood sugar levels and they are consistently high (above 200 mg/dl),
your blood sugar is not controlled. All complications from diabetes are a result
of high blood sugar levels.
If you sugar levels are consistently low (less than 60 mg/dl) that also is
a cause for concern. It means you are probably too aggressive in managing your
levels. It also may be a sign of stress, infection, kidney, adrenal gland,
or liver failure.
This is important! If you have even a minor wound to your feet or legs, contact
your doctor immediately. Even a minor puncture can cause catastrophic results.
Special care should be given to your legs and feet; giving them the appropriate
care is critical to avoid any amputation of toes, feet, or legs.
Another warning sign is a low-grade fever. That is usually a sign of infection.
These infections are more serious for those who suffer from diabetes. If you
are having any problems urinating, chest pain, cough, or abdominal pain, that
could lead your doctor to the sight of the infection. If you are unable to
keep food down and are vomiting, your doctor may want to see you immediately
or refer you to your local emergency room. This could be a sign of diabetic
ketoacidosis and that is potentially a life threatening development.
Some complications are considered a diabetic emergency. This will probably
mean a trip to the emergency room for immediate care. If the diabetic patient
is showing unusual signs of an altered mental state, it could mean very high
blood sugars. Have fruit juices available, or glucose wafers that melt in the
mouth. Avoid giving them hard candy because of the danger of choking. About
six ounces of juice should be given to the diabetic if they are able to swallow
without choking.
Emergency services should be called if the person doesnt wake up within
15 minutes and behave normally. If the person is diabetic, this is a medical
emergency, if the person is not diabetic, it may mean other serious medical
conditions. It could be signs of drug or alcohol abuse, oxygen starvation,
stroke, or other serious problems.
A fever of more than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit calls for a trip to your doctor.
If he isn't available, go to the emergency room if you are diabetic.
A diabetic patient should never ignore chest pains, irregular heartbeats, or
shortness of breath. Pain in any part of your body that is severe is a sign
you need medical attention.
