Illness

When an individual is sick, the body is under stress.  To combat stress and fight illness, the body releases hormones.  Although the hormones are good for fighting sickness and infections, they can cause the negative side effect of raising blood sugar levels.  Blood sugar levels can also interfere with being able to lower insulin.  Due to being sick, it is harder for someone with diabetes to manage blood sugar levels.  Individuals with Type 1 diabetes run the risk of developing a serious complication known as ketoacidosis.  Ketoacidosis occurs when cells are lacking the proper amount of glucose, resulting in the production of ketones.  As ketones build up in the bloodstream, they become acidic.  This can lead to the potential for a diabetic coma.  Individuals with Type 2 diabetes run the risk during illness of developing hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNC).  When blood sugar levels rise, urine output increases to get rid of excess sugar.  But overtime with HHNC, urinary output decreases causing severe dehydration that could lead to seizures or a coma.  It is vital to monitor blood sugar levels closely when experiencing illness due to high glucose levels that can cause serious complications.


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