Diabetes emergencies

Abstract

Diabetes-associated emergencies are frequent and include hyperglycemic states, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) as well as hypoglycemia (hypoglycemic coma) and metabolic disturbances that are unrelated to pathological blood glucose aberrations (lactic acidosis). Knowledge of the respective risk situations, key signs and symptoms as well as early detection, special aspects of intensive care treatment and procedures for the prevention of these diabetes emergency cases is a must not only for the duty doctor in intensive care but also for diabetologists, internists and family doctors in the outpatient situation. The basic facts on these issues are presented in this continuing medical education (CME) article in a didactically clear form.