What are the acute complications of diabetes?

Hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are recognized as acute complications of diabetes due to their immediate and often life-threatening nature. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop too low, which can lead to symptoms such as confusion, sweating, trembling, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. DKA, on the other hand, is a serious condition that typically arises in individuals with type 1 diabetes when there is a significant lack of insulin, leading to high levels of ketones in the blood and resulting in metabolic acidosis. This situation often presents with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a characteristic fruity odor on the breath.

In contrast, diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy are chronic complications linked to prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels over the course of the disease. These conditions develop gradually and do not represent immediate risks. Similarly, while hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are both important events in diabetes management, hyperglycemia itself is typically a chronic issue rather than an acute complication.

The conditions like hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome (HHNKS) and the Somogyi effect also relate to diabetes complications; however, they do not encompass the broad spectrum