Which is the most immediately dangerous acute complication in a diabetic dental patient?

Correct answer: A. Hypoglycemia

• A. Correct. Hypoglycemia develops within minutes and can progress to seizure, coma and death. In the dental setting it is precipitated by a missed meal after taking insulin — the most common diabetic emergency in the operatory.
• B. Incorrect. Infection susceptibility is a chronic management concern, not an immediate emergency.
• C. Incorrect. Impaired healing is a chronic complication affecting outcomes, not an acute threat to life.
• D. Incorrect. Hyperglycemia develops over hours to days and is not an acute chairside emergency.