Do you have a friend, family member, or coworker with a diabetes diagnosis? Since diabetes affects roughly 11.5% of the population, you are likely to know someone with diabetes, even if they haven’t disclosed that diagnosis to you. It’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of a diabetic emergency so you can recognize what is happening and respond appropriately.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia

When someone has too much insulin in their blood stream compared to the glucose level, this can result in low blood sugar. While hypoglycemia can happen in anyone with diabetes, it’s most common in those with type 1 diabetes. This can occur when they exercise more than usual, skip a meal, drink alcohol, or take too much insulin. Many times, someone with diabetes can tell they have low blood sugar by how they feel – shaky, hungry, or short-tempered. However, there are cases when someone may not realize they have low blood sugar until more serious symptoms occur. Here are some signs of severe hypoglycemia:

• Blurred vision
• Passing out
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Sweating
• Heart palpitation

If you think someone is experiencing hypoglycemia, you should ask them to check their blood sugar level, and then call a medical professional. If they indicate it is low, help them get what they need by following the 15/15 rule: 15 grams of carbohydrates, and then wait 15 minutes to see if things improve. Of course, if they experience loss of consciousness or a seizure, call 911 immediately.

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia

When someone has blood sugar that has elevated to an unhealthy level, this can cause hyperglycemia. In those with diabetes, hyperglycemia can occur when they don’t take enough insulin and/or eat foods that are heavy in carbohydrates. High blood sugar becomes serious if left untreated, and can be detected by these symptoms:

• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• Headache
• Change in mental status
• Fruity-smelling breath

If you think someone around you is experiencing hyperglycemia, ask them if they have insulin or other glucose-lowering medications, and then call a medical professional. They should increase their intake of water, and also test their urine for ketones (the presence of ketones in urine can mean that the body is using body tissue for energy instead of glucose). Diabetes is a complicated, life-altering disease. If you have a friend or family member with this diagnosis, there are a few things you can do to support them. This includes learning about the disease, being a good listener, doing your part to ease their stress, and knowing when to give them space.  If you’re ever concerned about the health of someone with diabetes because they’re exhibiting the above symptoms, or other abnormal symptoms, don’t hesitate to call a 911 or another medical professional. As your El Mirage emergency room, we’d much rather have you play it safe than sorry, and seek medical help for someone who’s not well.