Type 2 Diabetes - When to Call a Doctor
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you are:
- Unconscious or you suddenly become very sleepy or confused. You may have low blood sugar, called
hypoglycemia.
- Learn about emergency care for low blood sugar.
- Sleepy, confused, or breathing very fast, or if your breath smells fruity. You may have a life-threatening condition called hyperosmolar state. Less common in type 2 diabetes is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which has similar symptoms. But DKA is still possible and very dangerous.
Call a doctor right away if:
If not controlled, diabetes can cause a host of complications that can affect nearly every organ in the body. Diabetes complications include: Heart disease Stroke Kidney disease Nerve damage Eye damage Digestion problems Erectile dysfunction Skin problems Infection Dental problems
Read the Diabetes Complications article > >
- Your blood sugar is 300 mg/dL or higher (or it is higher than the level your doctor has set for you).
Call a doctor if you:
- Are sick and having trouble controlling your blood sugar.
- Have had vomiting or diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
- Learn about sick-day guidelines.
- Often have problems with high or low blood sugar levels.
- Have trouble knowing when your blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
- Have questions or want to know more about type 2 diabetes.
Who to see
Health professionals who may be involved in your diabetes care include:
- A family doctor.
- A certified diabetes educator (CDE).
- A registered dietitian. All people newly diagnosed with diabetes should see a dietitian for help in choosing healthy foods.
- An endocrinologist.
If you have signs of complications of diabetes, such as nerve problems or kidney problems, you may be referred to a specialist. Learn more about the roles of the health professionals on a diabetes care team.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Type 2 Diabetes Topics
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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