What might a person with a diabetic emergency exhibit?

A person experiencing a diabetic emergency can present with confusion, excessive sweating, or altered consciousness due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, particularly hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). When blood sugar drops, the brain is deprived of the glucose it needs for energy, leading to symptoms such as confusion and altered mental status. Increased sweating occurs as the body responds to the low blood sugar level. These symptoms are common indicators of a diabetic emergency and highlight the critical need for prompt recognition and intervention, such as providing a quick source of sugar.

The other options reflect symptoms that are not typically associated with a diabetic emergency. Rapid heartbeat and shivering might indicate other medical conditions but are not specific to diabetes-related crises. High fever and vomiting can signal infections or other illnesses but do not align with the immediate physiological reactions seen in diabetic emergencies. Lastly, pale skin and excessive thirst are signs of dehydration or other conditions but do not encompass the hallmark signs of an acute diabetic episode.