Other Complications

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Diabetes and the Current American Diabetes Association Guidelines. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Diabetes and the Current American Diabetes Association Guidelines (online CE course)
Other Complications

Ketoacidosis is always a serious complication for type 1 diabetics. Due to lack of uptake of glucose into cells by insulin, proteins and fats are utilized as energy sources. This results in excess acetyl CoA which is converted to ketone bodies. A serious acidosis results and if untreated or not resolved by the body, coma and death can occur.

Most often the acetyl CoA in a type 2 patient is converted to cholesterol and results in hyperlipidemia and heart disease in these patients.

The elderly type 2 diabetic is at risk for a hyperosmolar nonketotic coma. The patient becomes dehydrated due to increased urine excretion to lower the blood glucose. If reduced renal or cardiac function is also present, glucose excretion is impaired and blood glucose concentrations can become extremely high. Ketones are not produced in excess, thus the patient remains nonketotic. Insufficient hydration, elevated blood glucose, and decreased renal excretion of waste products result in an increased osmolality and total concentration of all plasma components.