Diabetic coma symptoms, risks & causes
What is diabetic coma?
Diabetic coma, a medical emergency, is the condition in which a person with diabetes lapses into a coma (unconsciousness) due to complications in diabetes. In most cases, low blood sugar or severe hypoglycemia causes a person with diabetes to pass out. This reversible form of coma often occurs to people with type 1 diabetes mellitus as they are most vulnerable to episodes of hypoglycemia.
There are three types of diabetic coma medically identified as:
- Diabetic hypoglycemia –severe low blood sugar level
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) –hyperglycemia, dehydration, & exhaustion
- Hyperosmolar nonketotic coma –due to extreme hypoglycemia & dehydration
Diabetic coma symptoms and causes
Diabetic coma is caused by either hypoglycemia (severely low blood sugar level) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level). Left untreated, diabetic coma can be fatal. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes and their love ones to be aware of symptoms that can lead to diabetic coma.
Signs & symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level)
A diabetic experiencing a hypoglycemic episode may exhibit: twitching or convulsions, fatigue and unusual hunger, sweating, irregular or racing heartbeat, nausea, difficulty speaking, and confusion.
Signs & symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level)
A diabetic experiencing a hyperglycemic episode may show signs such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, nausea & vomiting, very dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, stomach pain, & fruity breath odor.
Diabetic coma treatment
Treatment of diabetic coma depend upon the underlying causes:
Diabetic Hypoglycemia —treatment usually involves administering of intravenous glucose or injected glucagon to rapidly raise the patient’s blood glucose level.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis —treatment involves injection of isotonic fluids to rapidly stabilize circulation, continued intravenous saline with potassium and other electrolytes to replace deficits, and diabetes insulin to reverse the condition
Nonketotic Hyperosmolar —treatment include administering of insulin and gradual re-hydration with intravenous fluids.
Managing your diabetes to avoid diabetic coma
People with diabetes are at high risk of lapsing into diabetic coma if their blood glucose levels are left out of control for long periods of time. Keep track of your glucose levels and have our blood sugar testing anytime, anywhere with easy-to-carry glucose testing meters.
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Blood Glucose Monitoring Kits
Manage blood sugar levels with regular blood sugar testing. Keep a glucose test kit with you at all times.
It is the only glucose meter that tests for both blood glucose & blood ketones.
Meter body is latex free & easy grip with a large, easy-to -read digital display.
Virtually pain-free testing blood sampling takes no more than just a slight prickly sensation. |