Type 1 Diabetes

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you are:

• Unconscious or you suddenly become very sleepy or confused. You may have low blood sugar, called Reference hypoglycemia Opens New Window.
  • Learn about Reference emergency care for low blood sugar.
• Sleepy, confused, breathing very fast, or your breath smells fruity. You may have a life-threatening condition called Reference diabetic ketoacidosis Opens New Window.

Call a doctor right away if:

• Your blood sugar is 300 mg/dL or higher (or it is higher than the level your doctor has set for you).

Call a doctor if you:

• Are sick and having trouble controlling your blood sugar.
• Have had vomiting or diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
  • Learn about Reference sick-day guidelines.
• Often have problems with high or low blood sugar levels.
• Have trouble knowing when your blood sugar is low (Reference hypoglycemia unawareness Opens New Window).
• Have questions or want to know more about diabetes.

Who to see

Health professionals who may be involved in your diabetes care include:

• A Reference family doctor Opens New Window.
• An Reference internist Opens New Window.
• A Reference pediatrician Opens New Window.
• A Reference certified diabetes educator Opens New Window (CDE).
• A Reference registered dietitian Opens New Window. All people newly diagnosed with diabetes should see a dietitian for help in choosing healthy foods.
• An Reference endocrinologist Opens New Window or Reference pediatric endocrinologist Opens New Window.

If you have signs of complications of diabetes, such as nerve problems or kidney problems, you may be referred to a specialist. Learn more about Reference the roles of the health professionals on a diabetes care team.

Planning pregnancy when you have type 1 diabetes

Women who want to plan a pregnancy need to talk to their doctors about making sure they have good control of their blood sugar.

High blood sugar levels during the first trimester of pregnancy raise the risk of birth defects. Good care of diabetes before conception appears to reduce the risk of birth defects.

Women with diabetes who don't want to be become pregnant should use birth control. This reduces the risk of birth defects in unplanned pregnancies.

Reference Reference Pregnancy and Diabetes: Planning for Pregnancy

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.