Decompensated diabetes: what it is, symptoms and what to do

Decompensated or uncontrolled diabetes is a complication of diabetes that occurs when circulating glucose levels remain high, and is more common in people who do not take treatment according to medical advice.

Decompensated diabetes is a silent situation, so that symptoms only appear when blood glucose is already very high, and there may be frequent urge to urinate, excessive thirst, increased appetite and weight loss. In the presence of these signs and symptoms, it is essential that the doctor is consulted so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated to prevent complications.

It is possible to avoid decompensated diabetes by following the treatment recommended by your doctor, together with a healthy diet rich in fiber and regular physical activity. Furthermore, it is essential that glucose levels are measured regularly with the help of a glucometer, so it is possible to monitor glucose levels throughout the day.

Symptoms of decompensated diabetes

Initially there are no signs and symptoms of decompensated diabetes, however, as glucose levels remain high over time, some symptoms may appear, the main ones being:

• Frequent urge to urinate;
• Excessive thirst;
• Weight loss despite increased appetite;
• Nausea;
• Excessive tiredness and drowsiness;
• Dizziness;
• Loss of teeth;
• Change in the functioning of the kidneys;

Furthermore, decompensated diabetes can increase a person’s risk of developing vision problems, which can progress to partial or total blindness, and enter into a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis, in which there is a decrease in blood pH, favoring the occurrence of cerebral edema, coma and, in some cases, death. Learn more about diabetic ketoacidosis.

What to do

In the presence of signs and symptoms indicative of decompensated diabetes, it is important that the person is referred to the hospital so that glucose levels can be assessed and glycated hemoglobin measured, which indicates the average blood glucose level during the 3 months prior to the onset of diabetes. blood collection.

In most cases, when disease decompensation is confirmed, the person remains in the hospital so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated to control glucose levels and monitored with the aim of preventing the development of complications.

How to avoid

The best way to prevent decompensated diabetes is by following your doctor’s instructions, which usually recommends the use of antidiabetic medications, such as Glibenclamide or Metformin, for example, or synthetic insulin injection.

In addition to taking medications, it is important that the person follows an adequate diet, which must be recommended by a nutritionist according to the person’s clinical characteristics, age, lifestyle and risk of complications. In general, a diabetes diet should be low in simple carbohydrates and rich in fiber-rich foods. See more details about the diabetes diet.

It is also recommended that physical activity be practiced regularly, as this allows the sugar circulating in the blood to be used as a source of energy.

It is also essential to measure glucose levels throughout the day with a glucometer, especially when fasting, upon waking up, and after meals, so it is possible to check for signs indicating decompensation. Learn how to measure glucose correctly with a glucometer.