Diabetes-Related High And Low Blood Sugar Levels: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Is your blood sugar level high?

See significance of high blood sugar levels if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis? Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:

• Flushed, hot, dry skin.
• A strong, fruity breath odor (similar to nail polish remover or acetone).
• Restlessness, drowsiness or difficulty waking up. Young children may lack interest in their normal activities.
• Rapid, deep breathing.
• Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
• Confusion.

Yes

Do you have symptoms of moderate dehydration?

• Symptoms of dehydration in a child
• Symptoms of dehydration in an adult

Yes

Do you have nausea or vomiting and are unable to keep fluids down?

Yes

Do you have a moderate to large amount of ketones in your urine?

Yes

Do you have signs of infection? These signs may include:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
• Red streaks extending from the affected area.
• Drainage of pus from the area.

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have symptoms of mild to moderate high blood sugar (symptoms of high blood sugar), and your symptoms are increasing after taking steps to lower your blood sugar level?

Yes

Do you have symptoms of mild dehydration, and your symptoms are increasing after taking steps to lower your blood sugar level?

• Symptoms of dehydration in a child
• Symptoms of dehydration in an adult

Yes

Is your blood sugar level high after you test your blood twice and your usual plan for lowering your blood sugar is not working, but you do not have symptoms of high blood sugar?

Yes

Is your blood sugar level high and continues to rise after you have taken steps to lower your blood sugar level, but you do not have symptoms of high blood sugar?

Yes

Is your blood sugar level high and you are not sure what you should do?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Are you concerned that your episodes of high blood sugar levels are occurring more frequently?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 22, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer