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Diabetic Reaction

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.



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Diabetic Reaction

Insulin Reaction Overview

An insulin reaction is an excessively low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), usually lower than 50 mg/dL. Insulin reactions result from an excess of insulin via an injection or an excess of an insulin-stimulating oral hypoglycemic agent, usually in the sulfonylurea class of drugs. Insulin reactions are more common in people with severe diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs more often when a person is attempting to achieve near normal blood sugar levels.

Insulin Reaction Causes

Factors that may bring on an insulin reaction include the following:

  • Increased activity
  • Late or missed meals
  • Eating fewer carbohydrates (sugars or starches) than usual
  • Drinking alcohol without eating
  • Errors in insulin dosage
  • Increases in insulin doses
  • Uneven absorption of insulin after an insulin injection
  • Addition of an oral drug to treat ...

Read the Insulin Reaction article »



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Diabetes Insipidus »

Central diabetes insipidus (DI) is characterized by decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as arginine vasopressin (AVP), that results in polyuria and polydipsia by diminishing the patient's ability to concentrate urine.

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