What is a significant complication of insulin therapy for diabetes that nursing care should monitor?

The significant complication of insulin therapy for diabetes that nursing care should monitor is hypo/hyperglycemia. Insulin is used to lower blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes, and improper dosing or timing can lead to either too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar levels.

Hypoglycemia can occur when there is an over-administration of insulin, insufficient food intake, or increased physical activity, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. On the other hand, hyperglycemia can result from inadequate insulin dosing, illness, or stress, leading to symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.

Monitoring these glucose levels is critical for patient safety and effective diabetes management because both conditions can have immediate and severe complications if not promptly recognized and treated.

While diabetes insipidus is a condition associated with a different mechanism involving the kidneys and the regulation of water balance, and hypertension and cholesterol levels are important aspects of cardiovascular health, they are not direct complications of insulin therapy itself. The most pertinent risks directly related to insulin administration are hypo/hyperglycemia, making this the essential focus for nursing care in patients receiving insulin therapy.