Diabetic Coma

Diabetic Coma Can Induce Unconsciousness

Coma is a commonly-heard terminology where the individual is in an unconscious state for a prolonged duration due to various reasons. But not many are familiar with the term ‘diabetic coma’ nor even aware of its existence.
 
Diabetic coma is also an unconscious state where the individual isn’t responsive to the surrounding. It is a life-threatening condition that’s generally caused due to too high or too low blood glucose levels. The person is alive but that’s it—there is no response to any kind of stimulation and poses great risks. All these are indeed frightening but with proper steps and precautions it is possible to avoid this condition altogether.
 
Warning Signs/Symptoms
 
The onset of diabetic coma includes having very high blood sugar levels of 600 mg/dL or more resulting in severe dehydration. More commonly affecting people with type 2 diabetes, under this condition, the blood is thicker than usual ketones are not present in the urine—this condition is known as diabetes-related hyperosmolar syndrome.
 
In those with type 1 diabetes, the blood sugar levels fall below 250mg/dL or even lower sometimes. Called as diabetes-related ketoacidosis, the body starts using fatty acids instead of glucose for energy with the presence of ketones in the urine and bloodstream.
 
As the condition is the result of hypo- or hyperglycemia, the symptoms are also different accordingly. The individual has symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels before the onset of diabetic coma.
 
Hypoglycemia-related Symptoms
 

• Anxiety, dizziness, or headache
• Tiredness, weakness, and shakiness
• Confusion
• Blurred vision and difficulties in speaking
• Hunger
• Sweating
• Loss of consciousness

 
Hyperglycemia-related Symptoms
 

• Frequent visits to the restroom
• A constant state of thirst
• Tiredness, drowsiness, and weakness
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Weakened pulse
• Blurry vision

 
Humans are used to habits and so are our pain-enduring skills. Similarly, having diabetes for a long time can lead to a condition called ‘hypoglycemia unawareness’ where there are no signs/symptoms indicating a drop in the blood glucose levels. But, generally the person feels thirsty continuously and urinates frequently. So, if there are any signs of changes in the sugar levels, it is better to get yourself tested immediately to avoid further complications.
 
Causes of Diabetic Coma
 
The chances of diabetic coma is greater in individuals with type 1 diabetes due to hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis (due to diabetes). But, the condition might occur in individuals with type 2 diabetes also majorly due to hyperosmolar syndrome compared to hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis. Other contributing factors for diabetic coma include consumption of alcohol, medications such as steroids diuretics, or heart medications, illnesses, surgery, improper diabetes management leading to haphazard blood glucose levels, trauma, illegal substance use, careless handling of insulin doses, and kidney failure.
 
Treatment Protocol
 
The treatment agenda mainly depends on the cause of the condition. If very low blood sugar levels are the cause of the problem, the patient is given IV fluids, insulin, and administered glucagon to reverse the effects of insulin. In case of high blood sugar levels, administering IV fluids, supplements such as phosphate, potassium, and sodium, and insulin helps in treating the patient.
 
Are There Possibilities of Preventing the Disease?
 
Common sense does tell us that maintaining blood glucose levels in admissible ranges is the best way to avoid the occurrence of any drastic conditions. Some ways in which we can avoid diabetic coma include:
 

• Keep checking blood sugar levels regularly and keeping glucose levels well under target ranges. For this, you must first understand your target range and also have knowledge about the steps that must be followed when the numbers go away from this range
• Always have some glucose tabs, some fruit juice, or fruit handy to consume immediately when your blood glucose levels go down
• Never indulge in overconsumption of alcohol
• Be aware of how to use a glucagon kit and also teach the same to your caretaker—this way, you can save yourself from severely low blood sugar levels
• Get in touch with a dietitian/physician to plan a well-balanced diet and follow the meal plan diligently
• Learn how various exercises can affect your blood sugar levels
• Reduce stress levels as much as possible

 
Besides these, it is always better when friends and family members are aware of what must be done in times of need. For this, keep them informed about the symptoms of high/low blood sugar levels.
 
Conclusion
 
When left unnoticed or untreated, diabetic coma can result in permanent brain damage and death. During times when the blood sugar levels don’t rise beyond 70 mg/dL even after treatment, it is better to call your healthcare provider. Precaution is always better than cure. So, note down early signs of changing sugar levels and take necessary steps to bring them under control. Eat meals regularly, take medications as per doctor recommendations, know what to do once the symptoms start, and doubly care for yourself when ill to avoid any dangerous consequences of the disease.