When to Call a Doctor

Call or other emergency services right away if you are:

• Unconscious or you suddenly become very sleepy or confused. You may have low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia.
  • Learn about emergency care for low blood sugar.
• Sleepy, confused, or breathing very fast, or if your breath smells fruity. You may have a life-threatening condition called hyperosmolar state. Less common in type 2 diabetes is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which has similar symptoms. But DKA is still possible and very dangerous.

Call a doctor right away if:

• Your blood sugar is 300 mg/dL or higher (or it is higher than the level your doctor has set for you).

Call a doctor if you:

• Are sick and having trouble controlling your blood sugar.
• Have had vomiting or diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
  • Learn about sick-day guidelines.
• Often have problems with high or low blood sugar levels.
• Have trouble knowing when your blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
• Have questions or want to know more about type 2 diabetes.

Who to see

Health professionals who may be involved in your diabetes care include:

• A family doctor.
• A certified diabetes educator (CDE).
• A registered dietitian. All people newly diagnosed with diabetes should see a dietitian for help in choosing healthy foods.
• An endocrinologist.

If you have signs of complications of diabetes, such as nerve problems or kidney problems, you may be referred to a specialist. Learn more about the roles of the health professionals on a diabetes care team.