Diabetes-Related High and Low Blood Sugar Levels

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

Does the person with diabetes have any of the following symptoms:

• Unconsciousness
• A seizure. See protecting a victim from harm during a seizure.
• Severe dehydration is present:
  • In a child.
  • In an adult or older child.
• A person is losing consciousness or becoming sleepy or lethargic and is not able to swallow water without choking or coughing, preventing him or her from following the appropriate guidelines for low blood sugar levels.

Note:

If a person becoming sleepy or lethargic but is able to swallow water without choking or coughing, check his or her blood sugar. If the person has a blood sugar level less than 3.3 mmol/L, follow the appropriate guidelines for emergency care for low blood sugar. A child who takes insulin A child who takes only oral diabetic medicine An adult or adolescent who takes insulin An adult or adolescent who does not take insulin injections A woman who has gestational diabetes

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you think your blood sugar level may be high or low, do a home blood sugar test—do not wait until you have symptoms. If your health professional has given you specific instructions to follow for high or low blood sugar levels, be sure to follow those instructions. Be sure to follow your treatment plan if you get the flu, a cold, or have surgery. If you are pregnant and have diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions for high or low blood sugar levels.

Yes	Is your blood sugar level high?
Yes	Is your blood sugar level low?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

The information in this topic is specific to diabetes-related high and low blood sugar levels. The following symptoms may affect your blood sugar levels:

• Nausea and vomiting: Go to the topic Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older.
• Dehydration: Go to the topic Dehydration.
• Diarrhea: Go to the topic Diarrhea, Age 12 and Older.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: February 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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