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People with type 1 diabetes mellitus who must take insulin in full replacement doses are most vulnerable to episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels). This can occur if a person takes too much insulin or diabetic medication, does strenuous exercise without eating additional food, misses meals, consumes too much alcohol, or consumes alcohol without food. [5]
Symptoms and effects can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on how low the glucose falls and a variety of other factors. It is rare but possible for diabetic hypoglycemia to result in brain damage or death. Indeed, an estimated 2–4% of deaths of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus have been attributed to hypoglycemia. [2] [3]
The complications of diabetes can dramatically impair quality of life and cause long-lasting disability. Overall, complications are far less common and less severe in people with well-controlled blood sugar levels. [3] [4] [5] Some non-modifiable risk factors such as age at diabetes onset, type of diabetes, gender, and genetics may influence risk.
[1] [3] [9] The treatment of hypoglycemia unrelated to diabetes includes treating the underlying problem. [3] [2] Among people with diabetes, prevention starts with learning the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. [3] [2] Diabetes medications, like insulin, sulfonylureas, and biguanides can also be adjusted or stopped to prevent hypoglycemia.
Lower socio‐economic status and higher area‐level deprivation are associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in people with diabetes mellitus type 1. [43] Previously considered universally fatal, the risk of death with adequate and timely treatment is between <1% and 5%.
Like many people who live with type 2 diabetes, Jones is still grappling with the disease 20 years after his diagnosis, which is just one reason he kept it private for many years.
Cases of death or permanent neurological damage occurring with a single episode have usually involved prolonged, untreated unconsciousness, interference with breathing, severe concurrent disease, or some other type of vulnerability. [citation needed] Nevertheless, brain damage or death has occasionally resulted from severe hypoglycemia.
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), also known as hyperosmolar non-ketotic state (HONK), is a complication of diabetes mellitus in which high blood sugar results in high osmolarity without significant ketoacidosis. [4] [5] Symptoms include signs of dehydration, weakness, leg cramps, vision problems, and an altered level of consciousness. [2]