Diabetic emergencies can happen quickly and are preceded with telltale symptoms that a problem is occurring. The brain relies on blood sugar, called glucose, to function. During diabetes, the body may produce too much or too little insulin, the chemical responsible for managing glucose levels. This imbalance causes physical reactions that can be recognized as diabetic emergency symptoms.
Without treatment, diabetic emergency symptoms can lead to serious complications. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends that diabetics discuss emergency symptoms with loved ones and friends, who can help recognize, and get help for, a diabetic emergency.
Abnormal Blood Sugar
Unusually high or low blood sugar can occur in a person with diabetes, even if her diabetes is well controlled. Illness, recent surgery, or a change in diabetes medication or lifestyle can affect how well a diabetic's body balances insulin and blood sugar. If too little insulin is produced, blood sugar levels rise. If too much insulin is produced, blood sugar levels decrease. A diabetic should know her target blood sugar level, as recommended by her physician, and be aware of fluctuations and what causes them.
Low blood sugar that goes untreated can result in unconsciousness and organ failure. Alternately, high blood sugar that is not corrected can lead to ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition which can lead to coma and death.
Mental Changes
Both high and low blood sugar can cause changes in a diabetic's mental status. The brain uses blood sugar for fuel and is sensitive to changing blood sugar levels. A diabetic with low blood sugar may become unusually combative, irritable, and even aggressive or unusually argumentative. Too much blood sugar can cause confusion, inattention and forgetfulness. Either of these extremes suggests a diabetic emergency, which can progress into unconsciousness, and warrants immediate medical treatment.
Other Symptoms
The National Institutes of Health recommends watching for symptoms of ketoacidosis, a diabetic emergency, including rapid breathing, increased thirst and urination and hot, dry skin and fruity-smelling breath. These symptoms may present singly, or together, and indicate high blood sugar levels. Ketoacidosis requires immediate medical attention.
Alternately, extreme fatigue; sadness or crying; cold, clammy skin; and sweating indicate blood sugar is too low. A diabetic may experience a culmination of symptoms, or only one or two; however, any indication that a diabetic emergency is occurring necessitates prompt medical attention and treatment.
