Since diabetes and other metabolic disorders rates are so high in the U.S, acute diabetic emergencies are now commonplace within today’s EMS system. With over 20 million people in the U.S. having diabetes, a number which is continually rising, the likelihood of medics, emergency personnel, and even those of us on the street to be met with an acute diabetic emergency is high. Therefore, it is important for us to familiarize ourselves with the symptoms of acute diabetic complications.

 

Acute Diabetic Complications

 

The most common types of acute complications in diabetes are hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Both conditions can be extremely dangerous, so it is important to be able to notice the symptoms before they can become emergency situations. The symptoms of both acute diabetic conditions are listed below:

Hyperglycemia Symptoms:

  • Dry mouth
  • Thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurry vision
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Increased appetite

 

If hyperglycemia is allowed to continue, it can lead to more dangerous symptoms such as:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness upon standing
  • Increased drowsiness and confusion
  • Unconsciousness or coma

 

Hypoglycemic Symptoms:

  • Confusion
  • Abnormal behavior
  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Seizure
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shakiness
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Hunger
  • Tingling sensations

 

Acute Diabetic Ketoacidosis

 

Acute diabetic ketoacidosis is a very serious condition which could lead to a diabetic coma or even death. This condition occurs as a result of your body using fat for energy when it cannot intake bloods sugar. When this happens ketones (acids) build up in your bloodstream. At high levels they can poison your body. Ketoacidosis can come about very rapidly (within 24 hours) so it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms quickly. According to Diabetes.org they are:

  • Very dry mouth or a lasting thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • High blood sugar
  • High levels of ketones in the urine

 

Then, other symptoms begin to appear:

  • Feeling tired
  • Dry or flushed skin
  • Nausea, Vomiting, or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A fruity odor to breath
  • Confusion, or a hard time paying attention

 

Acute Diabetic Neuropathy

 

There are several types of neuropathy which may affect a diabetic. The most common however is peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage that begins in the hands and feet and spread to the legs and arms. Though it is not usually an emergency situation, it is a very serious condition. So, treatment should be sought as soon as symptoms are noticed. Diabetic neuropathy can be acute, sub-acute, and chronic. The symptoms of each type are similar. Symptoms of acute diabetic neuropathy are:

  • Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
  • Burning pain
  • Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Lack of coordination