Patient education / Endocrine Emergencies
Endocrine Emergencies
DKA • Hypoglycaemia • Adrenal Crisis • Thyroid Storm • Severe Hyperglycaemic Emergencies
Some hormone-related conditions can become medical emergencies and require immediate hospital treatment.
Recognizing the warning signs early can save lives.
If a person is unconscious, severely confused, having seizures, struggling to breathe, or rapidly deteriorating, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Do not wait for an appointment when an endocrine emergency is suspected. Seek emergency medical care.
Explore topics
Select a shorter guide for answers to common questions.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis – DKA
What is diabetic ketoacidosis? · Who can develop DKA?
Read questionsHypoglycaemia – Low Blood Sugar
What is hypoglycaemia? · What causes low blood sugar?
Read questionsAdrenal Crisis
What is adrenal crisis? · What can trigger adrenal crisis?
Read questionsThyroid Storm
What is thyroid storm? · Who is at risk of thyroid storm?
Read questionsHyperglycaemic Hyperosmolar State – HHS
What is HHS? · Who is more likely to develop HHS?
Read questionsSevere Hyperglycaemia
Is very high blood sugar always an emergency? · When should I go to the emergency department?
Read questionsSick-Day Rules for People With Diabetes
Why does illness increase blood sugar? · Should I check my glucose more frequently when sick?
Read questionsEndocrine Emergencies in Children
Can children develop DKA? · Can children have severe hypoglycaemia?
Read questionsPregnancy & Endocrine Emergencies
Can DKA occur during pregnancy? · Can adrenal crisis occur during pregnancy?
Read questionsPreventing Endocrine Emergencies
Can endocrine emergencies be prevented? · What should people with adrenal insufficiency carry?
Read questionsCommon Myths
“DKA only happens when sugar is extremely high.” · “If I am not eating, I should stop insulin.”
Read questions