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Warning-sign checks

Type 1 diabetes: 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 if someone with diabetes is unconscious, having a seizure, cannot swallow safely, or has severe confusion.

    Use emergency glucagon if it is available and you have been shown how.

    Do not give food or drink to someone who cannot swallow safely.

    Seek emergency care for possible DKA, particularly when high glucose or ketones occur with:

    • Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
    • Deep, rapid, or difficult breathing
    • Severe stomach pain
    • Fruity-smelling breath
    • Marked drowsiness, confusion, or collapse
    • Signs of severe dehydration
    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 your diabetes service promptly if ketones remain raised, glucose stays high despite following your correction plan, or illness is making insulin and fluid management difficult.

    Do not stop background insulin during illness unless a diabetes professional specifically directs you to do so.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if glucose is often outside your agreed range, low-glucose episodes are becoming more frequent, or injection and device sites are sore or damaged.

    Help is also appropriate if diabetes is causing distress, fear of hypoglycemia, disordered eating, or difficulty completing everyday care.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Type 1 diabetes. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.