What is a diabetic coma?

A diabetic coma is a life-threatening diabetes complication that causes unconsciousness. If you have diabetes, dangerously high blood sugar

high blood sugar

Overview. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) affects people who have diabetes. Several factors can contribute to hyperglycemia in people with diabetes, including food and physical activity choices, illness, nondiabetes medications, or skipping or not taking enough glucose-lowering medication.

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Hyperglycemia in diabetes - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

(hyperglycemia) or dangerously low blood sugar

low blood sugar

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose) level is lower than normal. Glucose is your body's main energy source. Hypoglycemia is often related to diabetes treatment. But other drugs and a variety of conditions — many rare — can cause low blood sugar in people who don't have diabetes.

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Hypoglycemia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

(hypoglycemia) can lead to a diabetic coma.

Can a person recover from a diabetic coma?

An untreated diabetic coma may also result in death. People who receive emergency treatment for a diabetic coma usually recover fully. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a medical identification bracelet that explains the nature of your diabetes and other health concerns.

What does a diabetic coma feel like?

The severe symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar that can come before a diabetic coma include vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, weakness, and dizziness.

How do you treat diabetic coma?

At what sugar level is diabetic coma?

A diabetic coma could happen when your blood sugar gets too high -- 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more -- causing you to become very dehydrated. It usually affects people with type 2 diabetes that isn't well-controlled. It's common among those who are elderly, chronically ill, and disabled.

Causes of Diabetic Coma

Is death by diabetic coma painful?

DKA is a horrendously painful way to die. It has been well documented that lack of health insurance and lower incomes are associated with higher rates of DKA.

What drink lowers blood sugar?

When participants in the study drank one cup of chamomile tea after meals three times per day for six weeks, they showed a reduction in blood sugar levels, insulin, and insulin resistance.

How Low Can blood sugar Go before you pass out?

You may become too weak or confused to eat something with sugar to raise your blood sugar level. If your blood sugar level drops very low (usually below 2.8 mmol/L), you may pass out (lose consciousness) or be unable to swallow. Or you may have a seizure or stroke.

How is diabetic coma diagnosed?

Diagnosis of diabetic coma

The cause of a diabetic coma is diagnosed using a number of tests including: medical history. physical examination – the person may be wearing an emergency bracelet identifying their medical condition. blood tests – including tests for glucose and ketone levels.

What are the three main diabetic emergencies?

Hyperglycemia: Increased glucose in the blood, typically linked to diabetes. Hypoglycemia: Decreased glucose in the blood, usually caused by excessive insulin or low food intake. Insulin: Hormone released by the pancreas in response to increased levels of sugar in the body.

What happens to the brain during a diabetic coma?

A diabetic coma results from either very high or very low blood glucose levels. This is a life-threatening complication which causes the patient to fall into a state of unconsciousness. The coma is reversible if treated immediately, but if left untreated they may receive permanent brain damage or potentially die.

How long does it take to go into a diabetic coma?

For people with type 2, a diabetic coma may be caused by either hypoglycemia or very high blood sugar, called diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome. That's when your body tries to get rid of extra sugar by passing it into your urine. Over days or weeks, this can cause life-threatening dehydration and, eventually, a coma.

What kind of food should diabetics avoid?

What does diabetic shock look like?

People experiencing hypoglycemia often experience headaches, dizziness, sweating, shaking, and a feeling of anxiety. When a person experiences diabetic shock, or severe hypoglycemia, they may lose consciousness, have trouble speaking, and experience double vision.

What are the 9 signs and symptoms of high blood sugar?

What is considered a dangerously low blood sugar level?

Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. A blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is low and can harm you. A blood sugar level below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) is a cause for immediate action.

What does it feel like when your blood sugar is too high?

Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body lacks enough insulin. Associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia can cause vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems and other symptoms.

What are the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis?

When should a diabetic go to the hospital?

High levels of ketones cause the blood to become more acidic, a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Ketoacidosis can make you very sick if you don't get help. Go to the ER or call 911 right away if you have symptoms of ketoacidosis like: nausea and vomiting.

What happens if blood sugar gets too low while sleeping?

In other instances, though, people may know if they experienced hypoglycemia during their sleep if they notice the following symptoms: Waking up with a headache. Waking up in a sweat. Getting unusual feelings of tiredness throughout the day.

Why do diabetics carry candy?

As a medical doctor, he was presumably aware — or should have been — that people with diabetes often carry candy, juice, or glucose tablets to treat potential hypoglycemia, and not just for snacking.

What is the 15 15 rule in diabetes?

The 15-15 Rule

Once it's in range, eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure it doesn't get too low again. If you have low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL, you can treat it with the 15-15 rule: have 15 grams of carbs. Check it after 15 minutes. Repeat if you're still below your target range.

Is Coke Zero good for diabetics?

Diabetics should avoid coke or any soft drinks as much as possible. Coke Zero is sugar-free. However, the sugar substitutes it contains may not necessarily be a healthier option for people looking to reduce their blood sugar levels.

Are eggs good for diabetics?

Protein-rich foods like eggs can play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Plus, eggs contain many essential vitamins and minerals, and have just 80 calories each.

Is banana good for diabetes?

Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized diet plan. A person with diabetes should include fresh, plant food options in the diet, such as fruits and vegetables. Bananas provide plenty of nutrition without adding many calories.