Safety
Emergency guidance and product safety basics
Diabetes emergencies can move quickly. This page is a plain-language reference, not a substitute for training from your care team.
This page provides general, educational information only. It is not medical advice, is not a substitute for professional care, and should never be used to make treatment or dosing decisions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. Always follow the guidance of your own healthcare team.
Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Warning signs: confusion, slurred speech, shakiness, sweating, difficulty walking or standing, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
- If the person is conscious and able to swallow safely, follow their care plan — typically fast-acting sugar (juice, glucose tablets) followed by a recheck in 15 minutes.
- If the person is unconscious, having a seizure, or cannot safely swallow: do not give food or drink. Use glucagon if available and someone present is trained to administer it, and call 911 immediately.
Severe high blood sugar & DKA warning signs
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening emergency most common in type 1 diabetes, but possible in any form of diabetes.
- Warning signs: very high blood glucose, fruity-smelling breath, nausea or vomiting, deep or rapid breathing, severe thirst and frequent urination, abdominal pain, confusion, or extreme fatigue.
- These symptoms — especially vomiting combined with high glucose and ketones — warrant urgent medical attention. Contact your care team right away, and call 911 if the person is confused, struggling to breathe, or cannot keep fluids down.
When to call 911
Call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately for: loss of consciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, chest pain, an inability to keep fluids down with signs of DKA, or any time you are unsure whether a situation is a life-threatening emergency. It is always safer to call.
Product safety basics
- Never share needles, lancets, insulin pens, or any device that pierces skin — even with family.
- Always check expiration dates on test strips, insulin, glucagon, and other supplies before use.
- Prescription-only items listed on Diabetes Collective require a valid prescription; vendors are responsible for verifying this before shipping.
- Inspect devices and sharps for damage before each use, and dispose of sharps in an approved container.
- Store insulin and temperature-sensitive supplies according to the manufacturer's instructions.