When to Call a Doctor

Callor other emergency services right awayif you are:

• Unconscious or suddenly become very sleepy or confused. You may have low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia.
  • Emergency Care for Low Blood Sugar.
• Sleepy, confused, breathing very fast, or your breath smells fruity. You may have a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

Call a doctor immediatelyif:

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

Call a doctor if you:

• Are sick and have trouble controlling your blood sugar.
• Have been vomiting or had diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
  • Sick-Day Guidelines for People With Diabetes.
• 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 diabetes.

Who to See

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

• A family medicine doctor.
• A general practitioner.
• A nurse practitioner.
• A physician assistant.
• An internist.
• 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 that a complication of diabetes may be developing or has developed, you may be referred to a specialist.