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Type 1 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed - When To Call a Doctor

Call911or other emergency services immediately if you or your child is:

Call a doctor immediately if you or your child is vomiting and cannot keep down liquids and:

  • Your blood sugar is 300 mg/dL or higher.
  • Your child’s blood sugar is 250 mg/dL or higher.

Call a doctor if you or your child:

  • Is sick for more than 2 days (unless it is a mild illness, such as a cold), and you or your child:
    • Has been vomiting or had diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
    • Has followed the doctor's advice but it has not worked. Learn what to do when you are sick and have diabetes.
    • Has blood sugar levels that are often above 300 mg/dL and urine tests for ketones show more than 2+ or moderate or higher ketones.
  • Has a blood sugar level that stays below the target range after eating some quick-sugar food.
  • Has a blood sugar level that stays high after taking a missed dose of insulin or taking an extra dose of insulin (if prescribed by the doctor).
  • Has frequent problems with high or low blood sugar levels. The insulin dose or schedule may need to be changed.
  • Is having difficulty knowing when blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
  • Has problems following the meal plan or getting physical activity, and you want help.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you or your child with type 1 diabetes is losing consciousness and has high or low blood sugar. High and low blood sugar levels need treatment early so that the level does not continue to rise or drop and cause an emergency situation.

Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you or your child with diabetes is frequently having high or low blood sugar levels. The insulin type, dose, or schedule may need changing.

Who To See

Health professionals who can treat type 1 diabetes include:

More Information:

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 24, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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