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Warning-sign checks

Rabson-mendenhall syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for possible diabetic ketoacidosis, including:

    • Vomiting with abdominal pain or dehydration
    • Deep or unusually rapid breathing
    • Fruity-smelling breath
    • Increasing sleepiness, confusion, or difficulty waking
    • High glucose with moderate or high ketones

    Severe low blood glucose is also an emergency if the person has a seizure, becomes unconscious, cannot swallow safely, or does not recover after the prescribed emergency treatment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the care team promptly about persistent glucose readings outside the agreed range, repeated low glucose episodes, new thirst or urination, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, worsening skin problems, changes in vision, or concerns about growth and puberty.

    Seek urgent medical advice during an infection or other illness if glucose remains high, ketones are present, or the person cannot keep fluids down.

    Follow the individual sick-day plan if one has been provided.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Keep routine appointments with the endocrinology and diabetes teams, even when the person feels well.

    Insulin resistance and organ complications can worsen without causing early symptoms.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rabson-mendenhall syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.