Diabetic coma how does it happen

A diabetic coma occurs when blood sugar levels become either too low or too high. The cells in your body require glucose to function. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia , can make you dehydrated which can cause you to lose consciousness.

Usually, you can prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia from progressing to a diabetic coma. You can also slip into a diabetic coma if you develop diabetic ketoacidosis DKA.

DKA is a buildup of chemicals called ketones in your blood. If you have hyperglycemia, you may experience noticeably increased thirst and you may urinate more frequently. A blood test would also reveal higher levels of glucose in your bloodstream.

A urine test can also show that your glucose levels are too high. DKA causes high levels of blood glucose. The symptoms also include increased thirst and a frequent need to urinate. Other symptoms of elevated ketone levels include:. A diabetic coma is a medical emergency. Treating hyperglycemia requires intravenous fluids to improve fluid levels throughout your body. You may also receive insulin to help your cells absorb the extra circulating glucose.

If your sodium, potassium, or phosphate levels are low, you may get supplements to help bring them up to healthy levels. The treatment will be similar for DKA. Once your blood glucose levels are in a healthy range, you should start to feel better almost immediately. If the symptoms occurred for a while before treatment or if you were in a diabetic coma for several hours or longer, you could experience some brain damage.

Diabetic hyperosmolar occurs when your blood sugar is dangerously high, causing your blood to get thick and syrupy. Your body will try to get rid of the excess sugar by passing it in urine. This will cause frequent urination that can lead to dehydration.

If you are experiencing these symptoms check your blood glucose levels right away and seek immediate medical attention. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. A diabetic coma can be a life-threatening emergency that occurs when an individual who has diabetes suffers from low blood glucose hypoglycemia or high blood glucose hyperglycemia.

Signs of a diabetic coma include an altered mental state, inability to speak, visual problems, drowsiness, weakness, headache, and restlessness. In general, it is important for people with diabetes to check their blood sugar regularly and take their medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider. If you are in the presence of a person with diabetes who needs attention due to a diabetic coma, you should call immediately.

A diabetic coma can be caused by either high or low blood sugar. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include:. Different types of hyperglycemia include:.

As a patient with diabetes, it is always important to check your blood sugar. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your healthcare professional. They can help you understand and manage your numbers and condition. This can lead to symptoms such as:. If a person has diabetes, hypoglycemia can, at times, be a side effect of diabetes medication.

Glucose is an important factor for the body. The liver releases glucose, as needed, when the blood sugar levels start to fall. It is always important to check with your healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns.

It is helpful to know the signs and symptoms of both a hypoglycemic coma and a hyperglycemic coma, as they differ. If a person is lapsing into a hypoglycemic coma, it feels similar to fainting, including:.

These symptoms occur before consciousness is lost. If not treated quickly, brain damage is possible. When a hyperglycemic coma occurs, it is known to have a slow onset with drowsiness that deepens over time.

Other symptoms include:. One reason is having low levels of blood sugar. Other causes are ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. People with diabetes have a higher risk of these conditions.

The severe symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar that can come before a diabetic coma include vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, weakness, and dizziness. A doctor can reverse a diabetic coma quickly, but the treatment depends on the type. They must do this as quickly as possible to prevent complications. Hyperglycemic diabetic coma : The doctor will provide hydration and insulin. The person will start to recover quickly after treatment starts. Most people make a full recovery.

However, if they do not receive treatment soon after entering the coma, there may be long-term effects, for example, a risk of irreversible brain damage. Even if a diabetic coma does not occur, the long-term impact of having blood sugar levels that are often too low or too high can be damaging.

There are three main causes of diabetic coma. Two causes are most often associated with type 1 diabetes , and one is most often associated with type 2 diabetes. According to a study published in Diabetes , a person with type 1 diabetes will experience symptoms of hypoglycemia twice a week on average. People with type 2 diabetes who use insulin are less likely to experience hypoglycemia, but it can still happen.