What happens to insulin requirements in ill patients with Diabetes Mellitus?

In ill patients with Diabetes Mellitus, insulin requirements typically increase due to several physiological changes that occur in the body during illness. When a patient is ill, stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine are released. These hormones can lead to increased insulin resistance, meaning that the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, which is crucial for glucose uptake.

Additionally, illness often disrupts normal metabolism and can cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) as the body responds to the stress of the illness. This can happen even if the patient has been managing their diabetes well prior to becoming ill. Consequently, to achieve and maintain blood glucose levels within the target range during illness, an increase in insulin administration is typically necessary.

While some chronic conditions and situations can lead to a decrease in insulin needs, the general response to acute illness for a patient with Diabetes Mellitus is to require more insulin to counteract the effects of stress hormones and to manage any metabolic disturbances that arise.