Diabetes Coma Symptoms: Diabetes is one of the major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Doctors and experts maintain that it is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
It is noteworthy that diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. Moreover, it can also lead to complications like coma and even death. According to Mayo Clinic, a diabetic coma is a life-threatening disorder that causes unconsciousness.
What is diabetic coma?
If you have diabetes, dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to a diabetic coma. Mayo Clinic reveals that 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. Doctors maintain that uncontrolled diabetes may lead to a diabetic coma, unconsciousness, and ultimately death.
What are the symptoms of diabetic coma?
Symptoms 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:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness or weakness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain
- Fruity breath odor
- A very dry mouth
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
If your blood sugar is too low, you may have:
- Shakiness
- Anxiety
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Hunger
- A feeling of tingling on your skin
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Difficulty speaking
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
When to see a doctor?
Mayo Clinic maintains that a diabetic coma is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar and you think you might pass out get medical help immediately.
What are the causes of diabetic coma?
Blood sugar that’s either too high or too low for too long may cause the following serious health problems and all of these conditions can lead to a diabetic coma.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome
- Hypoglycemia
Who is at high risk of getting diabetic coma?
According to experts, anyone who has diabetes can get into diabetic coma. However, these factors can increase the risk factors:
- Insulin delivery problems
- An illness, trauma or surgery
- Poorly managed diabetes
- Deliberately skipping meals or insulin
- Drinking alcohol
- Illegal drug use
If it is not treated, a diabetic coma can lead to permanent brain damage and death, Mayo Clinic revealed.
How to prevent diabetic coma?
These following tips can prevent the chances of diabetic coma:
- Follow your meal plan
- Keep an eye on your blood sugar level
- Take your medication as directed
- Have a sick-day plan
- Check for ketones when your blood sugar is high
- Have glucagon and fast-acting sources of sugar available
- Consider a continuous glucose monitor
- Drink alcohol with caution