OverviewA diabetic coma is a life-threatening disorder that causes unconsciousness. If you have diabetes, dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to a diabetic coma. Show
If you go into a diabetic coma, you're alive — but you can't wake up or respond purposefully to sights, sounds or other types of stimulation. If it's not treated, a diabetic coma can result in death. The idea of a diabetic coma can be scary, but you can take steps to help prevent it. One of the most important is to follow your diabetes treatment plan. SymptomsSymptoms of high blood sugar or low blood sugar usually develop before a diabetic coma. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)If your blood sugar level is too high, you may have:
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)If your blood sugar is too low, you may have:
Some people, especially those who've had diabetes for a long time, develop a condition known as hypoglycemia unawareness. That means they don't have warning symptoms that signal a drop in blood sugar. If you have any symptoms of high or low blood sugar, test your blood sugar right away. Based on the test results, follow your diabetes treatment. If you don't start to feel better quickly, or you start to feel worse, get medical care right away. When to see a doctorA diabetic coma is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar and you think you might pass out, call 911 or your local emergency number. If you're with someone with diabetes who has passed out, call for emergency help. Tell the emergency personnel that the unconscious person has diabetes. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include
protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesBlood sugar that's either too high or too low for too long may cause the following serious health problems, all of which can lead to a diabetic coma.
Risk factorsAnyone who has diabetes is at risk of a diabetic coma, but the following factors can increase the risk:
ComplicationsIf it is not treated, a diabetic coma can lead to permanent brain damage and death. PreventionGood day-to-day control of your diabetes can help you prevent a diabetic coma. Keep these tips in mind:
Aug. 11, 2022 Which factors can predispose a client with type 1 diabetes to a diabetic ketoacidosis coma?The two most frequent factors predisposing to the development of DKA are an underlying infection and insufficient insulin therapy including skipped/missed doses or taking less than the therapeutic dose [6]. In our study, underlying infections were more common than inadequate insulin dose.
What causes diabetic ketoacidosis coma?If your muscle cells become starved for energy, your body may start breaking down fat for energy. This process forms toxic acids known as ketones. If you have ketones (measured in blood or urine) and high blood sugar, the condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis. If it's not treated, it can lead to a diabetic coma.
What factors increase risk for diabetic ketoacidosis?Things that may increase your risk of DKA are:. Not taking insulin as prescribed or not taking insulin at all.. Type 1 diabetes that has not been diagnosed.. Stomach illness with a lot of vomiting.. Infections such as pneumonia , urinary tract infection , or sepsis.. Heart disease, such as heart attack.. Recent stroke.. Pregnancy.. What are the main metabolic signs of diabetic Ketoacidotic coma?Diabetic ketoacidosis signs and symptoms often develop quickly, sometimes within 24 hours.. Excessive thirst.. Frequent urination.. Nausea and vomiting.. Stomach pain.. Weakness or fatigue.. Shortness of breath.. Fruity-scented breath.. Confusion.. |