Wilderness: Diabetic Reaction

Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow

• Diabetic Reaction Overview
• Diabetic Reaction Symptoms
• Diabetic Reaction Treatment
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Diabetic Reaction Overview

There are 2 main forms of diabetes:

• Juvenile-onset (type I) - Absent or low insulin preventing cells from taking up and using glucose for energy, generally requires insulin injections


• Adult-onset (type II) - Cell resistance to insulin preventing glucose uptake, generally requires pills to improve the sensitivity of cells to insulin

Low blood sugar is the most common form of diabetic reaction and the most likely blood sugar problem encountered on a dive or wilderness trip. A low blood sugar diabetic reaction is caused by increased exertion and use of glucose. The body may “run out” of glucose stores more quickly, thus bringing on a hypoglycemic attack. Persistent excessive alcohol intake may cause this reaction because alcohol decreases glucose stores in the liver.

High blood sugar is a rare problem in most people with diabetes and is unlikely to be encountered on a dive or wilderness trip. High blood sugar can be brought on by infections or other significant stresses that cause the body to decrease cell uptake of glucose. Decreased cell uptake of glucose leads to high blood sugar levels and to the use of fats for energy by starving cells. This increases the acidity of the blood and leads to symptoms of high blood sugar.