If you are not known to have diabetes but are having any symptoms that suggest diabetes or concern you in any way, make an appointment to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

When you make the appointment, tell the operator that you are concerned about diabetes. He or she may make arrangements for blood sugar testing before your appointment.

If you are known to have diabetes, call your health care provider right away if any of the following apply:

• You are experiencing diabetes symptoms. This may mean that your blood sugar level is not being controlled despite treatment.

• Your blood sugar levels, when you test them, are consistently high (more than 200 mg/dL). Persistently high blood sugar levels are the root cause of all of the complications of diabetes.

• Your blood sugar level is often low (less than 60 mg/dL). This may mean that your management strategy is too aggressive. It also may be a sign of infection or other stress on your system such as kidney failure, liver failure, adrenal gland failure, or the concomitant use of certain medications.

• You have an injury to your foot or leg, no matter how minor. Even the tiniest cut or blister can become very serious in a person with diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment of problems with the feet and lower extremities, along with regular diabetic foot care, are critical in preserving the function of your legs and preventing amputation.

• You have a low-grade fever (less than 101.5°F). Fever is a sign of infection. If you have diabetes, many common infections can potentially be more dangerous for you than for other people. Note any symptoms, such as painful urination, redness or swelling of the skin, abdominal pain, chest pain, or cough, that may indicate where your infection is located.

• You are nauseated or vomiting but can keep liquids down. Your health care provider may adjust your medications while you are sick and will probably recommend an urgent office visit or a visit to the emergency department. Persistent nausea and vomiting can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition, as well as several other serious illnesses.

• You have a small sore (ulcer) on your foot or leg. Any nonhealing sore or ulcer on the feet or legs of someone with diabetes needs to be seen by a medical professional right away. A sore less than 1 inch across, not draining pus, and not exposing deep tissue or bone can safely be evaluated in your health care provider's office as long as you do not have fever and your blood sugar levels are in control.

When you call your health care provider, tell the operator that you have diabetes and are concerned.

• You will probably be referred to a nurse who will ask questions and make a recommendation about what to do.

• Be prepared for this conversation. Have a list of your medications, medical problems, allergies to medicines, and your blood sugar diary handy by the phone.

• The nurse may need any or all of this information to decide both the urgency of your condition and how best to recommend treatment for your problem.

 

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