Which signs indicate a diabetic emergency?

• A. Confusion, sweating, shakiness, unconsciousness
• B. High blood pressure and chest pain
• C. Slurred speech
• D. Fever and dehydration

Answer: (D)

Diabetic emergencies happen when blood glucose is too high or too low, and that disruption directly affects brain function. The classic signs are confusion, sweating, shakiness, and sometimes unconsciousness because the brain isn’t getting the glucose it needs or it’s overwhelmed by too much glucose and dehydration. Fever and dehydration aren’t specific indicators of a diabetes emergency; fever points to infection, and dehydration can occur from many causes, not necessarily an acute diabetes problem. Slurred speech can occur in severe low blood sugar or in a stroke, but it isn’t a definitive sign of a diabetic emergency on its own. If you see someone with confusion, sweating, shakiness, or unconsciousness and they have known diabetes, treat it as an emergency: check their blood glucose if you can and give quick-acting carbohydrates if they’re conscious and able to swallow; call for help if they’re unconscious or not improving.