Diabetic Coma Symptoms,Signs and Treatment

What is Diabetic Coma?

The worst case scenarios for severe cases of high or low blood sugar are diabetic coma symptoms. Diabetic coma is in  fact a case of medical emergency whereby an individual with diabetes mellitus is unconsious due to diabetes complications. In such an emergency, rapid intervention is required. It is possible for those who have type 1 diabetes to feel the symptoms from a condition known as severe hypoglycemia.  With type 2 diabetes, the problem occurs from the result of too much blood sugar.  With so many individuals affected by this disease, possibly as many as 24 million in the United States alone (according to the American Podiatry Medical Association), it is not uncommon for many people to experience diabetic coma symptoms.

General Signs of Diabetic Coma

• Excessive thirst
• Urination
• Dryness of mouth
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden shivers
• Increase in sweating

• Kidney failure
• Heart Attack
• Blood clot
• Bleeding ulcer
• Severe hypoglycemia
• Advanced diabetic ketoacidosis

Type 1 diabetic coma symptoms

Symptoms

·              Profuse sweating

·              Convulsions

·              Paleness

·              Rapid heart rate

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

With type 1 diabetes, another situation that may lead to a coma is ketoacidosis.  When there is not enough insulin to pass the glucose, the body responds by breaking down fat cells known as ketones to be used for energy.  A buildup of ketones in the blood system can result in a coma. 

Symptoms

·              Nausea

·              Flushed

·              Heavy breathing

·              Stomach cramps

Type 2 diabetic coma symptoms

Indivividuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may experience a diabetic coma, but it may be of a different nature.  Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome occurs when the blood sugar level is elevated to a dangerously high level and severe dehydration ensues.  Though it is rare, some cases of diabetic coma have been reported with individuals who have type 2 diabetes and are under 60; though most cases occur with individuals over 60.  In many cases, there are factors that lead up to the coma.  Two of the most common factors are increased thirst and urination.  Dehydration of the body and the cells within the body lead to the result of a coma.  If the situation becomes this bad, it could lead to shock or even death.

Symptoms

·              Fatigue and drowsiness

·              Elevated thirst

·              Elevated frequency of urination

·              Impaired speech

·              Headaches

It is also worth noting that usually the appearance of diabetic ketoacidotic coma  is preceded by a day or more of polyuria and polydipsia associated with marked fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and, also mental stupor that can progress to coma.

Conditions that can result in coma in diabetic individuals are drug abuse and alcohol consumption,seizure,head injury and seizure.Such conditions normally arise in people oround the age of 60 and above. Other causes that can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar are heart attack,ulcers,infections like blood clot or flu and medications for heart problems.

Treatment

For the treatment of diabetic coma,emergency medical treatment is necessary . Doctors will initially advise the person to undertake blood and urine tests to check the blood sugars levels, potassium and ketone in it. Any additional treatment will depend on whether diabetic coma is caused due to low or high  blood sugar level. If the patient is unconscious as a result of low of blood sugar, i.e., due to hypoglycemia, the diabetic individual is injected with the hormone glucagon which helps to increase the blood sugar level. But, in situations where the coma is caused due to increase in the blood sugar, i.e., due to hyperglycemia, fluids are immediately given to help control the dehydration. Potassium and sodium supplements are also given which help in normal functioning of the cells.

There are many emergency measures you can undertake if you find a person showing signs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. In order to determine if the diabetic coma has been triggered by hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia ,a glucose test is performed . Such a test is very important, as the diagnosis of the specific cause cannot be determine by simply recognising  the symptoms .

In case of hypoglycemia, as an emergency remedy the patient is given something to drink or eat  to increase the sugar level immediately. It is highly recommended not to give insulin to the patient if he shows the above mentioned symptoms as it can have serious health complications or even negative effects in certain cases. Moreover if you do not know whether the person is suffering from hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia , it is better to not to give anything to the person except water.

For diabetics, it is strongly recommended to wear a medical bracelet so that you can get immediate and proper help in case of an emergency. Although if you do have a diabetic coma treatment available and to prevent any severe condition ,you should follow the preventive measures . You should eat and take your medications at scheduled time and follow your diabetic diet religiously. You must also keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and see to it that there is no drastic rise or fall..

Moreover, with type 1 diabetic comas, severe hypoglycemia, the main goal is to raise the blood sugar level with glucose or glucagon.  This is usually done intravenously for faster results.  With type 2 diabetes, the most important factor is to administer fluids and possibly insulin. 

Diabetic coma symptoms cannot be ignored.  They are the body’s warning signs and should be taken very seriously.  The result of not heeding the signs can result in shock, coma or even death.  For healthy living,monitoring blood sugar levels is vital with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  It can be a means of preventing the onset of diabetic coma symptoms.  If there are any signs, seek the help of a medical professional immediately. 

Can You Die From Diabetic Coma?
Diabetic coma surely put the life of the patient at risk. Death may occur as a result of such a severe  condition. But , fortunately death resulting from diabetes coma has significantly decreased during the recent years.

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