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Warning-sign checks

Type 2 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

    Seek emergency help for severe confusion, collapse, seizures, difficulty breathing, inability to stay awake, or signs of severe dehydration.

    These may indicate dangerously high or low blood glucose or another serious problem.

    Emergency assistance is needed.

    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

    Prompt medical advice is important if you have:

    • a new foot blister, cut, ulcer, swelling, or colour change
    • worsening numbness or pain in your feet
    • repeated low blood glucose episodes
    • vomiting or diarrhea that affects eating, drinking, or medicine use
    • persistently high glucose while unwell
    • sudden changes in vision
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have ongoing thirst, frequent urination, unexplained tiredness, blurred vision, repeated infections, or slow-healing wounds.

    You should also seek a review if home glucose readings are repeatedly outside the range agreed with your healthcare team.

The article also says

If low blood glucose causes unconsciousness, the person should not be given food or drink by mouth.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Type 2 diabetes. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.