If you or anyone you know is having symptoms of diabetes it is important to seek medical attention right away. This is true even if the person is not known to be diabetic. There are over 40 million people in this country that have diabetes and are unaware of it. When you call your health care provider tell them that you are concerned with diabetes. This way they may decide to set up some testing before your appointment.
When a person is known to be a diabetic there are certain symptoms you should be on the lookout for. If you observe any of the following symptoms it is recommended that you contact your health care provider.
When blood sugar levels remain high (over 200 mg/DL), for a prolonged period of time this can trigger complications.
Subsequently, if a person’s blood sugar level falls below 60 mg/DL you should also contact your doctor. This could mean several things such as a sign of infection, kidney failure or liver failure. It could also mean that the treatment plan being followed is too aggressive. In this case your doctor will want to adjust it.
For a person with diabetes even the smallest injury to their feet or legs needs to be of concern. Even a small cut can be a problem for them. This is why many people with diabetes receive regular diabetic foot care. It is very critical in avoiding amputation and preserving function of the legs.
You need to be aware of any infections the person may encounter. A low grade fever is usually a sign of infection. You should make a note of any conditions such as painful urination, chest pain, or redness and swelling. This will help your doctor better pinpoint the cause of the infection.
The inability to keep liquids down or any nausea and vomiting should be brought to your doctor’s attention immediately. Your health care provider may have to adjust the medications being taken. This can also require an urgent office visit or a trip to the emergency room as it can also be a sign of ketoacidosis. This condition can be life threatening.
Non healing sores or ulcers on the patient’s feet or legs should be of concern. Providing that the patient does not have a fever and their blood sugar levels are under control these types of sores can be evaluated with an office visit.
There are also some symptoms that require immediate emergency care. If the person is experiencing any of the following symptoms a 911 call is in order.
When a person shows signs of an altered mental state this can be a sign of low blood sugar levels. This can be forgetfulness, agitation or simply behavior that is not characteristic for the individual. It is good to give them some cake frosting or fruit juice at this time. Try to avoid anything that would cause choking such as hard candies. If you do not see an improvement and the person does not come back to their normal mental state in about 15 minutes call 911 immediately?
As mentioned earlier when a person can not keep down food, water or their medications this can be a sign of ketoacidosis or other complications. In this case if the person has not taken their latest medications do not administer them without contacting a medical professional. If a person already is experiencing low blood sugar this could push them to dangerously low levels.
When a person’s temperature is 101.5 F or higher. This can be a sign of more serious complications. If your primary care provider can not see them right away seek emergency care. To help emergency personnel make note of any symptoms that you may have noticed such as abdominal pain or chest pain.
Another sign of serious complications is when the patient’s blood sugar levels are over 400 mg/dL. You should make a 911 call if your doctor can not see them right away as this can lead to death.
When a person needs to go to the emergency room it is best that they are accompanied by someone who can speak for them. This will allow medical personnel to treat them quicker and more efficiently.
Author Resource:
John Bradstreet is an experienced Biochemist with extensive knowledge in nutritional supplementation. He is committed to a healthy lifestyle through natural means. To learn more about blood sugar (glucose) control you can visit ’ http://worldvitaminsonline.com/bloodsugarformula60capsules.aspx And
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