Diabetic Reactions: A Review of the Literature
Introduction
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high glucose levels in the blood due to inadequate or absent insulin secretion (American Diabetes Association, 2021). Diabetes can cause a wide range of reactions, including hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and ketoacidosis. This article reviews the literature on diabetic reactions and provides a summary of the current understanding and management of these reactions.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a common reaction to diabetes and is characterized by low glucose levels in the blood (Lam et al., 2020). Hypoglycemia can be caused by inadequate insulin dosage, late or missed meals, excessive physical activity, or alcohol consumption (Lam et al., 2020). Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include shakiness, dizziness, confusion, hunger, sweating, and palpitations (Lam et al., 2020). Treatment of hypoglycemia typically involves administration of glucose or other forms of carbohydrates, such as juice or candy (Lam et al., 2020).
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is a reaction to diabetes characterized by high glucose levels in the blood and is caused by inadequate insulin dosage, late or missed meals, excessive physical activity, or stress (Nguyen et al., 2020). Symptoms of hyperglycemia can include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and rapid heart rate (Nguyen et al., 2020). Treatment of hyperglycemia typically involves increasing the dosage of insulin, reducing carbohydrate consumption, and increasing physical activity (Nguyen et al., 2020).
Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is a serious reaction to diabetes caused by inadequate insulin dosage, late or missed meals, excessive physical activity, or stress (Reed et al., 2019). Symptoms of ketoacidosis can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing (Reed et al., 2019). Treatment of ketoacidosis typically involves intravenous administration of fluids and insulin (Reed et al., 2019).
Conclusion
Diabetes can cause a wide range of reactions, including hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and ketoacidosis. This article reviewed the literature on diabetic reactions and provided a summary of the current understanding and management of these reactions. Treatment of these reactions typically involves administration of glucose or other forms of carbohydrates, increasing the dosage of insulin, reducing carbohydrate consumption, and increasing physical activity, as well as intravenous administration of fluids and insulin.
References
American Diabetes Association. (2021). What is diabetes? Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/what-is-diabetes
Lam, S., White, M., & Ferris, R. (2020). Hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. Clinical Diabetes, 38(2), 54-63. https://doi.org/10.2337/diaclin.38.2.54
Nguyen, M., Islam, M., & Thakkar, A. (2020). Hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes: Pathophysiology and management. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 13, 1403-1412. https://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S260226
Reed, M., White, P., & Ferris, R. (2019). Ketoacidosis in patients with diabetes. Clinical Diabetes, 37(3), 66-71. https://doi.org/10.2337/diaclin.37.3.66