Hello, I'm Dr. Smith, a board-certified endocrinologist. I've been practicing for over 20 years and have extensive experience in managing diabetes and its complications.

The most common diabetic emergency is hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar. It's a serious condition that can occur when the blood sugar level drops too low, usually below 70 mg/dL.

Hypoglycemia can happen to anyone with diabetes, but it's more common in people who:

* Take insulin or sulfonylurea medications
* Have type 1 diabetes
* Have poorly controlled diabetes
* Have missed meals or delayed meals
* Exercise more than usual without adjusting their insulin or food intake
* Drink alcohol without eating

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia:

Early symptoms often include:

* Shakiness
* Sweating
* Palpitations (fast heartbeat)
* Hunger
* Dizziness
* Headache
* Blurred vision

As blood sugar drops further, symptoms can become more severe:

* Confusion
* Slurred speech
* Seizures
* Loss of consciousness
* Coma

**If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to act quickly.**

Treating Hypoglycemia:

The goal of treatment is to raise the blood sugar level quickly.

Here's what you can do:

1. **If you're conscious and able to swallow, eat or drink something that contains fast-acting carbohydrates.**
* **15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates:** Examples include 4 glucose tablets, 1/2 cup of fruit juice, 4 ounces of regular soda, or 1 tablespoon of honey.
* Check your blood sugar 15 minutes later. If it's still low, repeat the steps above.
2. **If you're unconscious, call 911 immediately.** Do not try to give anything by mouth.

Prevention of Hypoglycemia:

* **Follow your diabetes treatment plan carefully.**
* Check your blood sugar regularly.
* Eat regularly and don't skip meals.
* **Carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrates with you at all times.**
* **Tell your doctor about any changes in your medication or exercise routine.**

**It's important to remember that hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. If you experience any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.**

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Diabetic emergencies account for 3-C4% of EMS calls. EMS is likely to encounter two types of diabetic emergencies: hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, with hypoglycemia being the most common.read more >>