A diabetic emergency in Austin can start quietly. A little shakiness, a lot of thirst, or a sudden headache can turn into confusion, fainting, or trouble breathing within hours.
November is American Diabetes Month, so this is a good time to learn the warning signs. This guide covers high and low blood sugar, simple first steps, and when to go to the ER.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: What Is a Diabetic Emergency in Austin?
A diabetic emergency happens when blood sugar drops too low or climbs too high and starts to harm the body. Go to the ER or call 911 for confusion, fainting, seizures, trouble breathing, fruity-smelling breath, vomiting that will not stop, or blood sugar that stays at 300 mg/dL or higher. Low blood sugar below 54 mg/dL is severe.
Diabetes in Texas: Why This Matters
According to America’s Health Rankings, which uses 2024 CDC survey data, 13.5% of Texas adults have been told they have diabetes. The U.S. figure is 12.0%.
That means many Austin families live with this condition every day. Knowing the signs of a diabetic emergency in Austin can save a life, whether it is yours or a loved one’s.
Types of Diabetic Emergency at a Glance
There are three main kinds. The Cleveland Clinic explains them in its guide to diabetic coma.
| Emergency | Blood sugar | Who it affects most | Warning signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe low blood sugar | Below 54 mg/dL | People who take insulin or certain pills | Confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision, seizures, fainting |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) | Often above 250 mg/dL | People with type 1, but type 2 too | Nausea, vomiting, belly pain, fast deep breathing, fruity breath |
| Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) | Often above 600 mg/dL | Mostly people with type 2 | Extreme thirst, confusion, blurred vision, severe dehydration |
Low Blood Sugar: Signs and What to Do
The CDC says blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is low, and below 54 mg/dL is severe. Lows are especially common in people with type 1 diabetes.
Mild Symptoms
- Fast heartbeat
- Shaking and sweating
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Irritability or confusion
- Dizziness and hunger
Severe Symptoms
- Weakness
- Trouble walking or seeing clearly
- Acting strangely or feeling confused
- Seizures
Treat a Mild Low With the 15-15 Rule
The CDC’s treatment steps are simple:
- Have 15 grams of carbs, then wait 15 minutes.
- Check your blood sugar again. If it is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat.
- Keep going until you are back in your target range.
- Eat a balanced snack or meal with protein and carbs.
Fast-acting carbs include 4 ounces of juice or regular soda, 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey, or 3 to 4 glucose tablets. Young children may need less than 15 grams, so ask your doctor.
When a Low Is an Emergency
If a person faints, cannot swallow, or has a seizure, do not give food or drink. Call 911. Injectable glucagon is the best treatment for a severe low, and a bystander can give it. The CDC says to contact a doctor for emergency care right after a glucagon injection.
The Cleveland Clinic also advises calling a provider or 911 if a low under 70 mg/dL does not improve after three treatments.
High Blood Sugar and DKA: Signs and What to Do
DKA happens when the body lacks enough insulin and starts burning fat for fuel, which builds up acids called ketones. The CDC says DKA is serious and can be life-threatening. It can even be the first sign of diabetes in someone who has not been diagnosed.
Early Symptoms
- Intense thirst
- Frequent urination
Later Symptoms
- Fast, deep breathing
- Dry skin and mouth, and a flushed face
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Headache, muscle aches, and fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
Common Triggers
- Illness
- Missed insulin doses, a clogged insulin pump, or a wrong dose
- Heart attack or stroke
- Injury
- Alcohol or drug use
- Some medicines, such as certain diuretics and steroids
Because a heart attack can trigger DKA, our guide to the signs of a heart attack is worth a read too.
Go to the ER Right Away If
The CDC says to call 911 or go to the ER if:
- Blood sugar stays at 300 mg/dL or higher
- Your breath smells fruity
- You are vomiting and cannot keep food or fluids down
- You have trouble breathing
- You have several DKA symptoms at once
How a Diabetic Emergency in Austin Is Treated in the ER
DKA and HHS are treated with IV fluids to fix dehydration, electrolyte replacement, and insulin. The CDC lists the same three steps for DKA, along with treatment for any underlying illness such as an infection.
Our guide to IV hydration in Texas explains how IV fluids work and why they matter when someone is badly dehydrated.
Sick Day Rules for People With Diabetes
Illness is one of the most common triggers of a diabetic emergency in Austin and everywhere else. The CDC’s sick day guidance says to:
- Keep taking your insulin and diabetes pills, even if your blood sugar looks fine
- Check your blood sugar every 4 hours
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try to eat as usual, or take in about 50 grams of carbs every 4 hours if you cannot
- Test your urine for ketones, and call your doctor if you have them
Go to the ER During a Sick Day If You
- Have trouble breathing
- Have ketones in your urine
- Cannot keep liquids down for more than 4 hours, or food down for more than 24 hours
- Have lost 5 pounds or more
- Have blood sugar below 60 mg/dL
- Have vomiting or severe diarrhea for more than 6 hours
- Have a temperature above 101°F for 24 hours
The CDC also says that if you feel confused or tired, have someone else drive you.
What to Do If Someone Passes Out
If a diabetic emergency in Austin leaves someone unresponsive, act fast:
- Call 911 and say the person has diabetes.
- Do not give food or drink, because they could choke.
- Roll them onto their side to keep the airway clear.
- Follow the dispatcher’s instructions until help arrives.
Prevention Tips That Lower Your Risk
Some people do not feel the early signs of a low. The CDC calls this hypoglycemia unawareness. It is more likely if you have had diabetes for more than 5 to 10 years, have frequent lows, or take certain medicines such as beta blockers.
Helpful habits that lower your risk of a diabetic emergency in Austin include:
- Check your blood sugar more often, especially before driving or exercising
- Ask your doctor about a continuous glucose monitor, which can alert you during sleep
- Eat a snack before bed if you are at risk of night lows
- Never change your medicines without talking to your doctor
Where to Go for a Diabetic Emergency in Austin
For a true emergency, an ER is the right place. It can check your blood sugar and ketones, start IV fluids, and give insulin or other treatment. Not sure whether your problem needs the ER? Read ER vs urgent care in Austin.
At Priority Emergency Center, you can walk in without an appointment. Our onsite lab services can run the blood tests that help doctors see how serious a high or low blood sugar is. Parents of a child with type 1 diabetes can also read about our children’s ER services.
Diabetic Emergency in Austin: Frequently Asked Questions
What blood sugar level is a diabetic emergency?
Below 54 mg/dL is severe low blood sugar. For high blood sugar, the CDC says to go to the ER if it stays at 300 mg/dL or higher, especially with fruity breath, vomiting, or trouble breathing.
Can I go to the ER for high blood sugar?
Yes. Go if your blood sugar stays very high, you have ketones, you are vomiting, or you feel confused or short of breath.
How do I treat low blood sugar at home?
Follow the 15-15 rule. Have 15 grams of fast carbs, wait 15 minutes, and recheck. If the person faints or cannot swallow, call 911.
What does DKA smell like?
Fruity breath is one of the warning signs of DKA, according to the CDC.
Is DKA only a type 1 diabetes problem?
No. It is most common in type 1 diabetes, but people with type 2 can get it too.
Should I stop my insulin when I am sick?
No. The CDC says to keep taking your insulin and diabetes pills when you are sick. Call your doctor if you are unsure.
Diabetic Emergency? We Are Open 24/7
If you or someone you love shows signs of a diabetic emergency, do not wait. Priority Emergency Center is open every hour of every day in Austin. You can find us on our location page or reach out through our contact page.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
