Type 2 Diabetes: Living With the Disease

When to Call a Doctor

Call 911or other emergency services immediately if you or your child is:

Call a doctor immediately if you or your child is vomiting and cannot keep down liquids and:

  • Your blood sugar is 300 mg/dL or higher.
  • Your child’s blood sugar is 250 mg/dL or higher.

Call a doctor if you or your child:

  • Is sick for more than 2 days (unless it is a mild illness, such as a cold), and you or your child:
    • Has been vomiting or had diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
    • Has followed the doctor's advice but it has not worked. Learn what to do when you are sick and have diabetes.
    • Has blood sugar levels that are often above 300 mg/dL, and urine tests for ketones show more than 2+ or moderate or higher ketones.
  • Has a blood sugar level that stays below the target range after you or your child eats some quick-sugar food.
  • Has a blood sugar level that stays high after you or your child takes a missed dose of insulin or oral diabetes medicines or after you or your child takes an extra dose of insulin (if prescribed by the doctor).
  • Has frequent problems with high or low blood sugar levels. The insulin dose or schedule may need to be changed.
  • Is having difficulty knowing when blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
  • Has problems following the meal plan or getting physical activity, and you want help.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without changing your treatment plan. Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you:

  • Are having high or low blood sugar levels frequently.
  • Begin to notice symptoms of complications from diabetes. Early treatment of complications can prevent or delay worsening of the condition.

Who to See

Health professionals who may be involved in your treatment for type 2 diabetes include:

If you have signs of diabetic complications, you may be referred to a specialist. For more information, see the topic Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications.


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Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MSLast Updated: August 14, 2007
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism

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Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Health Tools Click here to view Health Tools.
 FAQs
 Causes of High and Low Blood Sugar
 Symptoms
 What Happens
 What Increases Your Risk
Arrow PointerWhen to Call a Doctor
 Exams and Tests
 Treatment Overview
 Prevention
 Home Treatment
 Medications
 Surgery
 Other Treatment
 Other Places To Get Help
 Related Information
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