A patient with well-controlled diabetes is at the dental office. What is the most likely dental emergency this patient may experience?

Correct answer: A. Hypoglycemia

• A. Hypoglycemia is the most dangerous and common acute complication in a controlled diabetic taking insulin or sulfonylureas. Stress, missed meals, or insulin overcorrection can rapidly lower blood glucose. Signs: sweating, tremor, confusion, unconsciousness. Treat with fast-acting glucose. ✓
• B. Hypertensive crisis can occur in uncontrolled hypertension, but is not specifically linked to controlled diabetes management.
• C. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is a risk in uncontrolled diabetes, but it develops slowly and is not the most common acute emergency in a controlled diabetic patient at a dental appointment.
• D. Metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis) is a complication of severe uncontrolled Type 1 DM. It develops over hours to days, not during a dental appointment.