Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Diabetes

Table of Contents

Complications

Emergency complications include:

  • Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis

Long-term complications include:

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Diabetic nephropathy
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Erection problems
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Hypertension
  • Infections of the skin, female urinary tract, and urinary tract
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Stroke

Calling your health care provider

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of ketoacidosis:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Deep and rapid breathing
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Nausea
  • Sweet-smelling breath

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemic coma or severe insulin reaction):

  • Confusion
  • Convulsions or unconsciousness
  • Dizziness
  • Double vision
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Lack of coordination
  • Weakness

Review Date: 05/10/2010
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)