The short term complications of diabetes may not last forever, but they can still be life-altering. Hypoglycemia is one of the short term complications of diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels become too low. Taking in too much insulin, exercising too much or not eating enough are a few things that can cause hypoglycemia. Some of the symptoms that may be experienced as a result of hypoglycemia are palpitations, sweating, confusion, feeling shaky, a pounding heart, a feeling of anxiety, irritability and tingling lips.
If an incident of hypoglycemia occurs, the patient should drink orange juice or another type of sweet juice. Ways to prevent hypoglycemia from occurring include not skipping meals or taking certain medications (such as aspirin) that can contribute to the short term complications of diabetes.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is another one of the short term complications of diabetes. This is also referred to as DKA and results when low insulin levels are present. The symptoms of ketoacidosis include frequent urination, excessive thirst, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, vomiting and a fruity breath odor. Ketoacidosis is often the first symptom a person will show of having diabetes. It occurs when the body releases ketones into the bloodstream during the breaking down of fats. These ketones make the blood acidic, and the body will rid itself of them through the urine. This is why diabetics often experience frequent urination as one of the short term complications of diabetes. This is dangerous because the body can easily become dehydrated after losing so much of its fluid. Diabetics should always keep ketone-measuring strips at home to accurately control ketoacidosis when it occurs.
What Kind of Infections Occur as Short Term Complications of Diabetes?
Bad blood sugar levels can cause infections that cause short term complications of diabetes. Because a diabetic’s blood vessels are restricted, their blood doesn’t circulate as well so wounds do not heal as easily. Also, high blood sugar levels have a negative affect on the body’s healing defenses. This makes diabetics much more prone to infections than those who do not have the disease.
Infections associated with diabetes are commonly found in the kidneys, bladder, vagina, feet and gums. Symptoms that may occur if an infection is present include sweating, chills, fever, pain, sores, nausea or coughing. When a diabetic feels like the onset of an infection is happening, they should seek medical attention immediately to avoid further complications.
A woman with diabetes may find that she gets reoccurring yeast infections. It is important for a diabetic woman to treat a yeast infection quickly because having short term complications of diabetes of this nature can make a person more susceptible to infections in other parts of the body. Although a laboratory test is sometimes needed to confirm a yeast infection, test strips and treatments can be obtained over the counter.
