Why is it important for patients with diabetes and acute infections to adjust insulin dosage?

In patients with diabetes, managing insulin dosage is crucial, especially during acute infections, due to the physiological changes that occur in response to illness. Acute infections commonly lead to an increase in insulin needs. This is primarily due to the stress response triggered by the infection, which elevates the levels of hormones such as cortisol, glucagon, and epinephrine. These hormones work to mobilize energy stores, increase blood glucose levels, and provide the body with readily available energy to fight the infection.

As a result, the presence of an acute infection can cause hyperglycemia, making it necessary for patients to adjust their insulin dosage upward to maintain blood glucose levels within the target range. This adjustment is critical in preventing both short-term complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, and long-term complications linked to poorly controlled blood glucose levels.

Understanding this relationship helps healthcare providers guide patients in managing their diabetes effectively during periods of illness, ensuring they can recover from infections without experiencing harmful fluctuations in their blood sugar levels.