Hypoglycemic Insulin Reactions Without Warning Symptoms

Hypoglycemic reactions have been found to occur in certain diabetic patients without the usual warning symptoms. This danger makes the control of diabetes difficult. It was studied in 116 diabetics who in the past had been able to use preventive measures but who found that the onset of confusion or unconsciousness had become so sudden that medical attention became a necessity. The average duration of the illness in this group was 10 years, and 64 patients were 10 lb. (4.6 kg.) or more underweight, but as individuals the patients were no different from the usual diabetics, and the reason for the absence of premonitory symptoms was not discovered. The possibility of such reactions has social, medical, and legal implications for the diabetic. A dietary management is outlined.