Acute complications of diabetes mellitus.

Blood glucose control is challenged frequently for patients with diabetes mellitus. Illness, stress, and unplanned life events often make glycemic control unstable, which puts the patient at risk for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. These acute complications may be mild and managed independently by the patient, or they may be severe, thus threatening life and requiring intensive monitoring. Outcomes are improved with timely recognition of the patient at risk, their symptoms, and appropriate intervention.