Diabetes mellitus decreases life expectancy in all patients, regardless of age at the time of diagnosis. Modern treatment of diabetes mellitus is based on multifactorial therapy, aimed at prevention of occurrence and progression of complications. Such treatment (modified as required) lasts for the lifetime of a diabetic patient. However, over the years patients with diabetes mellitus may develop acute disorders requiring hospitalization and additional therapeutic procedures. In this article the results of a literature review concerning optimization of hypoglycemic treatment in acute conditions are presented; the results suggest how hypoglycemic treatment may improve prognosis.