Acute complications of diabetes: hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and HHNK

Acute Complications Diabetes

The acute complications of diabetes include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma. All acute complications of diabetes can be prevented through dietary management and insulin injections.

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels that the body cannot regulate. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, shakiness, and hunger. Hypoglycemia often occurs when patients do not eat with their insulin injections or when patients exert themselves in physical exercise. Symptoms include weakness or shakiness, irritability, and rapid heart rate. Hypoglycemia can be prevented by eating or drinking something small.

Hyperglycemia refers to excess sugar (glucose) in the blood, which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis and hypersomolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs as a result of too little insulin in the body. In the absence of sufficient insulin, the body cannot properly metabolize sugar. Therefore, fat stores are used as an energy source, creating an excess number of ketones in the body. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include excessive thirst and/or urination, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, and rapid breathing. Ketoacidosis occurs when patients with Type 1 diabetes do not take their insulin shots or when patients with Type 2 diabetes develop ancillary complications such as chest or urinary tract infections. Therefore, the condition can be prevented with proper care and effective monitoring of blood sugar levels.