Let’s revisit Maria’s case. She is a 35-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic who currently takes good care of herself. She did not take good care of herself as a teenager. She is on an insulin pump to try to control her blood sugar, but has recently passed out in public several times. 

 What condition causes her to pass out (hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia)? 

Why does this condition develop?

What is the appropriate treatment for the early stages of this condition?

Given that she has been a diabetic for so long, why doesn’t Maria realize she is in trouble before she passes out?