DIABETIC COMA - WatsonsHealth

DIABETIC COMA

A diabetic coma is a hazardous diabetes complication that causes loss of consciousness. In the event that you have diabetes, very high glucose levels or hyperglycemia, or hazardously low glucose, otherwise known as hypoglycemia, can prompt a diabetic coma.

If you slip into a diabetic coma, you’re alive, however you may not be awake or react to different kinds of stimuli. Left untreated, a diabetic coma can lead to death.

The possibility of a diabetic coma is alarming, yet, luckily, you can find a way to help avoid it. Start by following your treatment plan and a healthy lifestyle.

There are three types of diabetic coma:

  • Severely low blood sugar
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis, usually from Diabetes mellitus type 1
  • Hyperosmolar nonketotic coma, which is usually from type 2 Diabetes mellitus

Diabetic coma due to high blood sugar or hyperglycemia may have the following symptoms:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach pain
  • Fruity breath odor
  • Dry mouth
  • A rapid heartbeat

Diabetic coma due to low blood sugar or hypoglycemia may have the following symptoms:

  • Nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Sweating
  • Hunger
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Confusion

DIAGNOSIS

If you feel you are in impending diabetic coma, prompt diagnosis is fundamental. The doctor will obtain a medical history and do a physical exam.

Tests that may be requested will include the following:

  • Blood sugar levels
  • Your ketone level
  • Blood urea nitrogen or creatinine
  • The amount of potassium, phosphate and sodium in your blood

 

TREATMENT

The emergency treatment for diabetic coma will depend on whether your blood sugar is high or low.

For high blood sugar diabetic coma you may need the following:

  • Intravenous fluids
  • Potassium, sodium or phosphate supplementation
  • Insulin to be injected subcutaneously
  • Treatment for infections

For low blood sugar, you may need the following:

  • Glucagon injection
  • Intravenous dextrose

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