title: Complications of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: management of insulin reactions and acute illness.
abstract: Occasional mild hypoglycemia is an unavoidable and usually acceptable side effect of intensive insulin therapy. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus may have impaired glucose counterregulation, which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia and justify less ambitious glycemic goals. A conservative but flexible approach to the treatment of insulin reactions is appropriate in order to avoid hyperglycemia. Insulin requirements are often increased during acute illness, and frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose concentrations is necessary to determine the need for supplementation with regular insulin. Frequent supplementation, together with modification of diet and maintenance of fluid intake, should not only minimize the need for hospitalization but also prevent severe deterioration in glycemic control.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000502:physiology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004435:Eating; D005934:Glucagon / Q000502:physiology; D005943:Gluconeogenesis; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002395:Catecholamines; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D007328:Insulin; D005934:Glucagon