Complications of diabetes Acute complications include ketoacidosis, a state of metabolic stress with overproduction of chemicals called ketone bodies. The patient suffers nausea, vomiting, dehydration and, if untreated, coma supervenes. This is always treated with insulin and replacement of electrolytes. The fluid deficit is around three to five litres. Any kind of stress mental tension, a major infection or even a mere boil, fever, etc. can precipitate an acute increase in blood sugar level.
Mental stress is the commonest situation that raises blood sugar level.
Stress drives the adrenal glands and this raises the blood sugar. Stress also prevents orderly secretion from the pancreas, which is unable to handle the extra load. Eventually, the majority of diabetic patients suffer long-term complications which can be prevented if adequate precautions are taken to stem the disease in the early stages by a healthy diet and, more importantly, by the inculcation of a daily exercise schedule. Sudden rhythm changes in the electrical conduction of the nerves of the heart can cause what are known as arrhythmias. These may manifest as a medical emergency with the heart coming to a total standstill.