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
