Blood sugar can go too high or too low for many reasons, especially in people with diabetes. Many mild changes can be managed by following your usual diabetes care plan. But sometimes, blood sugar problems can become serious and need immediate medical attention.
The number on your glucose meter is important, but it is not the only thing to look at. Your symptoms, how long the problem lasts, whether treatment is working, and whether you have ketones or other warning signs also matter. Knowing when to go to the ER for high blood sugar or severe low blood sugar can help you act before the condition becomes more dangerous.
Low Blood Sugar vs. High Blood Sugar: What’s the Difference?
High blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, happens when there is too much glucose in the blood. It often develops slowly and may cause increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, weakness, or tiredness. If blood sugar stays very high, it can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when blood glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL. It can come on quickly and may cause shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, weakness, or a fast heartbeat. When blood sugar drops too low, the brain may not get enough glucose to work properly. This can lead to confusion, trouble walking, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Here is a simple comparison of low blood sugar vs. high blood sugar:
| High Blood Sugar | Low Blood Sugar | |
|
Medical term |
Hyperglycemia | Hypoglycemia |
|
Typical onset |
Usually develops gradually | Can develop quickly |
|
Common signs |
Thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision |
Shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness |
|
Emergency warning signs |
Vomiting, abdominal pain, breathing problems, confusion | Severe confusion, seizure, fainting, unconsciousness |
|
Main emergency concern |
DKA or HHS |
Severe hypoglycemia |
A blood sugar level emergency is not always based on one number. Symptoms and how the person feels matter just as much.
When to Go to the ER for High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar needs emergency evaluation when it is accompanied by symptoms that may point to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), severe dehydration, or another serious complication.
Go to the ER if high blood sugar is accompanied by:
- Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Moderate or high ketone levels
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Deep, rapid, or difficult breathing
- Severe weakness or unusual drowsiness
- Confusion or trouble staying alert
- Signs of significant dehydration
- Loss of consciousness
DKA occurs when the body does not have enough insulin and begins producing high levels of ketones. HHS is another serious complication that can cause extremely high blood sugar and severe dehydration. Both require prompt medical treatment. If your blood sugar remains very high despite following your prescribed treatment plan, especially when any of these symptoms are present, seek emergency care.
When Does Low Blood Sugar Need Emergency Care?
Severe low blood sugar can affect the brain quickly and sometimes make it difficult for a person to respond or manage the condition on their own. At that point, emergency care for hypoglycemia may be needed.
Go to the ER if a person with low blood sugar:
- Becomes severely confused or disoriented
- Has trouble speaking, walking, or responding normally
- Has a seizure
- Faints or loses consciousness
- Cannot be awakened
- Cannot safely swallow food or liquids
- Does not improve after appropriate treatment
Visit ER Katy for a Blood Sugar Emergency
High or low blood sugar can become serious when symptoms worsen or do not improve with usual treatment. Warning signs such as vomiting, breathing problems, severe dehydration, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness need prompt medical attention.
If you or a family member is experiencing a blood sugar emergency, ER Katy is open 24/7 in Katy, TX. Our emergency care team can check your blood sugar, evaluate your symptoms, perform necessary testing, and provide treatment based on your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone without diabetes have a blood sugar emergency?
Yes. Although blood sugar emergencies are more common in people with diabetes, very high or low blood sugar can also occur in people without a known diabetes. Unexpected symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, or severe weakness require prompt medical evaluation regardless of whether a person has been diagnosed with diabetes.
Can dehydration make high blood sugar worse?
Yes. High blood sugar can cause frequent urination, which leads to fluid loss. Dehydration can then make blood glucose more concentrated and may contribute to serious complications if it becomes severe.
Can illness or infection cause dangerously high blood sugar?
Yes. Illness and infection can raise blood sugar because the body releases stress hormones that can make insulin less effective. People with diabetes may need to monitor their glucose more closely when they are sick and follow their healthcare provider’s sick-day plan.
Can stress cause high blood sugar?
Yes. Physical or emotional stress can raise blood sugar because stress hormones can affect how the body uses insulin.
