Complications arising from treatment

The most common complication that arises from treatment of diabetes mellitus is hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar. This occurs when the intake of sugar is less than that used. It can occur because the patient does not eat after taking medication or injections. Alternatively, it can happen when too much sugar is used up by the body such as may occur after exercise or too much medication. When the blood sugar becomes too low, it affects the brain so that the person may be irritable or confused. They may feel weak or suffer from blurred vision. In severe cases, the patient can lose conciousness or have convulsions (fits). At the same time, the body responds by producing other hormones such as adrenaline. This results in tremors or shakiness of the limbs, sweating, a fast heart rate and feelings of hunger.

Hypoglycaemia is a recognised complication of good glucose control and occurs more frequently when the blood sugar is well controlled. It is important that patients with diabetes mellitus learn to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia so that they can deal with them appropriately.

The treatment of hypoglycaemia is to recognise the symptoms early and quickly take a source of glucose such as a snack.

Liquids are more rapidly absorbed from the intestine and a drink such as a soft drink, milo or fruit juice may quickly reverse the effects. Alternatively, patients with diabetes mellitus can carry glucose tablets (such as dextrosol) 2 or 3 of which can be taken quickly if they experience hypoglycaemia.

Another complication that occurs in patients who are on insulin injections is the thickening of the skin and accumulation of fat at the injection site. This occurs when you do not rotate your injection sites regularly and can be dealt with by avoiding injections at that site.

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