Some emergencies related to diabetes

Diabetes can cause many dangerous complications if blood sugar is not well controlled. Therefore, patients need to pay attention to regularly check blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy diet, especially need to learn about abnormal symptoms and how to manage to limit the risk of death.

Hypoglycemia occurs when the amount of insulin exceeds the amount of glucose in the blood. Hence, it is also known as “insulin shock”.
Hypoglycemia is more common in people with type 1 diabetes. However, people with type 2 diabetes can also experience low blood sugar for the following reasons:
Skipping meals Exercising too much Drinking alcohol Taking too much insulin Most people with diabetes can get Know the symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremors and hunger. Accordingly, patients should pay attention to treatment as soon as possible when detecting symptoms to limit the risk of complications of seizures or diabetic coma.
However, the symptoms of hypoglycemia are not always obvious, especially for people who have had diabetes for a long time. Instead of showing typical symptoms, people with this type of hypoglycemia may have:
Confusion Blurred vision Convulsions Fainting When you see someone with diabetes having these symptoms, you need to check your blood sugar and give the patient 15 grams of carbs (3 - 4 glucose tablets or gel, 113 grams of fruit juice or soda, or one teaspoon of honey / one teaspoon of sugar and wait for 15 minutes.) If symptoms do not improve, you should continue to check blood sugar and give them extra carbs When the patient has regained consciousness, you can give them soft drinks or fruit juice while waiting for the emergency.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency where a lack of insulin causes the liver to break down fats into ketones for energy. The accumulation of ketones in the blood can change chemical reactions and poison the body, causing the person to fall into a coma.
Ketoacidosis is the most common complication of type 1 diabetes, but can also occur with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes due to the following reasons:
Not injecting enough insulin Eating not enough Food Reactions insulin response (low blood sugar) during sleep People who are sick or have an infection, great stress causing a heart attack and the effects of certain medications The early symptoms of ketoacidosis are:
Thirst Dry mouth Go Frequent urination More serious symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
Fatigue Dry or flushed skin Fruity-smelling breath Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain Difficulty breathing Patient feels anxious, confused, unconscious If you suspect that the patient has ketoacidosis, you need to perform a blood test to check the level of ketones and promptly seek emergency care when symptoms are severe.
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Hyperglycemic hyperosmolarity (HHS) is not as common as ketoacidosis, but is more dangerous. This is a complication of type 2 diabetes with very high blood sugar, above 600 mg/dL, but no or very little ketones.
HHS is most common in older adults with uncontrolled diabetes who have an illness or infection and in obese pregnant women with uncontrolled diabetes.
Blood sugar levels rise for days or even weeks, causing the body to try to get rid of the excess glucose by urinating more. When the body is not supplied with enough water, the patient will become severely dehydrated, causing hyperglycemia leading to convulsions, coma, and even death.
Common symptoms of increased osmotic pressure due to hyperglycemia (HHS) include:
Dry mouth Cool hands and feet Warm, sweat-free skin Fast heart rate Fever over 38 degrees Celsius Constant thirst Frequent urination Dark urine color Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain Confusion or hallucinations Stuttering Weakness on one side of the body When you see a sick person having these symptoms, you need to call your doctor and take them to the emergency room or ICU for intensive care.

Diabetes increases the risk of preeclampsia, a serious condition associated with high blood pressure that can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Accordingly, the fetus may have to be born when it is not fully mature.
Symptoms of preeclampsia may not completely disappear after delivery and require further monitoring. In addition, the disease can also occur postpartum in those who do not have preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Some serious symptoms of preeclampsia include:
Blurred vision, seeing bright spots/flashing lights or sensitivity to light Headaches that don't go away Severe swelling of the face, hands and feet Pain below the bones right flank or right shoulder Low back pain Gaining more than 1kg in a week Vomiting after pregnancy Anxiety and shortness of breath like never before Diabetes is a dangerous disease and can leave many complications. Therefore, patients need to have blood sugar control, as well as good general health to prevent possible complications. Recognizing some emergency situations that require urgent care will help patients with diabetes have the opportunity to treat and ensure their quality of life later on.
With many years of experience in the examination and treatment of endocrine diseases, now Vinmec International General Hospital has become one of the major health care centers, capable of examining, screening and treatment of diabetes-related diseases. Therefore, in case of emergency, if a patient develops complications of the disease, their relatives can take them to Vinmec International General Hospital for examination and receive support and advice from doctors.

Reference source: webmd.com