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Diabetes can turn into a dreadful monster if not controlled.  But if sugar levels are kept under control, a diabetic may perhaps never have even slightest of discomfort due to diabetes. The complications of Diabetes may be either because of persistent increase in blood glucose levels as a result of uncontrolled Diabetes ( called chronic complications) or may be the result of acute lowering of blood glucose, or extremely high blood glucose or ketone levels,  (called acute complications ).

Acute Complications

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia- is acute lowering of blood glucose ( below 60 mg/dl). Brain depends on constant supply of glucose for its functioning only on blood as it does not have its own stores of energy. If blood glucose suddenly falls below a critical level brain cannot function properly. The symptoms of hypoglycemia that ensue are:

 

• Sudden weakness
• Tremor of hands
• Difficulty in speaking or performing simple tasks
• Sweating of palms/ forehead
• Palpitations ( increased heart beat )
• Confusion
• Seizures

 

In case of such symptoms immediately put some sugar in mouth or give sweets or candies or a piece of bread. If there is no relief in symptoms immediately seek medical assistance.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

This condition generally happens in Type I diabetics who are on insulin injections but may rarely be in Type II diabetics on oral tablets as well, Some times people get to know about their Diabetes because of this complication. The cause of this condition is high levels of ketones in the blood as a result of insulin deficiency, infection etc. This is a serious condition but treatable- if the early treatment is initiated. Symptoms are:

• Dehydration, Vommitting, Nausea
• Unexplained severe abdominal pain
  
• Frequent breathing, with distinct fruity smell of breath
  
• Seizures ( fits)
• Coma
  

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State

This happens with extremly high levels of blood glucose ( above 600 mg/dl while the normal limit is 90- 200 mg/dl). It may be due to infection, any kind of stress, stroke, Heart attack etc. This results in literally thickening of blood.

Symptoms:

• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Weakness
• Seizures and Coma
  

The treatment for all the acute conditions should be done in hospital under proper medical care. All Diabetics and caregivers should be aware of these symptoms.

Chronic Complications of Diabetes

Most of the complications of Diabetes are due to formation of Advanced Glycation End products AGE; When the glucose levels are persistently raised all the cells of body are immersed in a sugary syrup ( like Jalebi / or gulab Jamun  in syrup), this affects the synthesis of proteins, as proteins are structural elements of the cells, cells formed with a defective structure are not able to function properly ( like a house built with defective and fragile bricks).
 Due to persistently raised levels of Glucose, cells forming the inner lining of blood vessel (endothelial cells) are not able to function properly and may cause clotting of blood and formation of thrombuses which disrupt blood supply to vital organs like heart, brain or kidneys.