Diabetes Problems - When To Call The Doctor
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 adjust 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
would 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
doesn’t 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.
|
