1. Type 2 Diabetes Slideshow Pictures
2. Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow
3. Take the Diabetes Quiz!

Medical Author:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• rapid onset of cool, pale, moist, and clammy skin;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• rapid pulse; and
• shallow breathing.

If untreated, symptoms may progress to confusion, nonsensical behavior, coma, and death.

• Symptoms occur gradually over several days.
• The person with high blood sugar develops increasing thirst and urination due to large amounts of unused glucose being lost in the urine.
• Skin is warm and dry, respirations may be shallow, pulse is rapid and weak, and breath may have a sweet odor (due to a fat breakdown product called ketoacids).
• The person with high blood sugar may become confused or comatose, and death may result.

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