What are the Medical Emergencies for Diabetes Patients?

Various emergencies can crop up for people with diabetes, so it’s important to know what these emergencies are, what you should do immediately to help, and when to call for emergency care.

1. Heart Attack

People with diabetes are at a greater risk of heart attack than others. Diabetes damages the blood vessels, nerves, and arteries that supply blood to the heart. This damage causes chest pains and shortness of breath, leading to a heart attack. You can avoid this situation by getting cardio tests done regularly.

2. Kidney Failure

Diabetes impacts the kidneys and is a leading cause of kidney failure amongst many diabetic patients. They need to get their routine urine and blood tests done to find out about the function of the kidneys. Regular tests will help understand and treat the issue as soon as it arises instead of rushing to the ER when an emergency occurs.

3. Vision Loss

Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss in many parts of the world. Nerves are damaged, and vision loss occurs due to poor blood supply. Patients should visit an ophthalmologist regularly and make sure that this condition is not impacting their vision.

4. Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar, which occurs when there is a lack of insulin. When symptoms like excessive thirst, blurry vision, and excessive urination occur, know that there may be a potential emergency. Make sure that you visit the emergency center as soon as you experience these symptoms.

5. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar, which undoubtedly can be another emergency. Symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, and changes in mental status may signal that the patient needs immediate medical attention. As the sugar level is low, you can help the patient by giving them something sweet to eat and then heading to the emergency center. Also, adjust the level of insulin intake to recover from this situation.

6. Stroke

People with diabetes are at higher risk of suffering from a stroke, so it is vital that sufferers, as well as their friends and family, can recognize the signs and symptoms:

• One side of the face may droop, so check if their smile is lopsided.
• They may have difficulty on one side.
• Speech often becomes slurred during a stroke.

Anyone suffering a stroke must get rapid treatment, as there is only a three-hour window during which clot-dissolving drugs are effective.