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Diabetic coma

Fakta Disemak oleh Hello Doktor Medical Panel


Ditulis oleh Phuong Tran · Disemak pada 11/05/2020

Definition

What is diabetic coma?

A diabetic coma is a life-threatening diabetes complication that causes unconsciousness. If you have diabetes, dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to a diabetic coma.

If you lapse into a diabetic coma, you’re alive — but you can’t awaken or respond purposefully to sights, sounds or other types of stimulation. Left untreated, a diabetic coma can be fatal.

The prospect of a diabetic coma is scary, but fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent it. Start by following your diabetes treatment plan.

How common is diabetic coma?

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. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of diabetic coma?

Before developing a diabetic coma, you’ll usually experience signs and symptoms of high blood sugar or low blood sugar.

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

If your blood sugar level is too high, you may experience:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach pain
  • Fruity breath odor
  • A very dry mouth
  • A rapid heartbeat

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Signs and symptoms of a low blood sugar level may include:

  • Shakiness or nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Sweating
  • Hunger
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Confusion

Some people, especially those who’ve had diabetes for a long time, develop a condition known as hypoglycemia unawareness and won’t have the warning signs that signal a drop in blood sugar.

If you experience any symptoms of high or low blood sugar, test your blood sugar and follow your diabetes treatment plan based on the test results. If you don’t start to feel better quickly, or you start to feel worse, call for emergency help.

There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.

Causes

What causes diabetic coma?

Prolonged blood sugar extremes — blood sugar that’s either too high or too low for too long — may cause various conditions, all of which can lead to a diabetic coma.

Diabetic ketoacidosis. If your muscle cells become starved for energy, your body may respond by breaking down fat stores. This process forms toxic acids known as ketones. Left untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to a diabetic coma.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is most common in people who have type 1 diabetes, but it can also affect people who have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes.

Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome. If your blood sugar level tops 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 33.3 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), the condition is known as diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.

When your blood sugar gets this high, your blood becomes thick and syrupy. The excess sugar passes from your blood into your urine, which triggers a filtering process that draws tremendous amounts of fluid from your body.

Left untreated, diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can cause life-threatening dehydration and a diabetic coma. Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is most common in middle-aged and older adults who have type 2 diabetes.

Hypoglycemia. Your brain needs glucose to function. In severe cases, low blood sugar may cause you to pass out. Hypoglycemia can be caused by too much insulin or not enough food. Exercising too vigorously or drinking too much alcohol can have the same effect.

Signs and symptoms are influenced by the severity of the hypoglycemia. With longstanding diabetes, however, you may lose the early warning signs — such as hunger, shakiness and perspiration — and may only develop symptoms when your blood sugar is dangerously low. This is called hypoglycemia unawareness.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for diabetic coma?

Anyone who has diabetes is at risk of a diabetic coma.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you’re more at risk of a diabetic coma caused by:

If you have type 2 diabetes, you’re generally more at risk of a diabetic coma caused by:

  • Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, especially if you’re middle-aged or older

If you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the following factors can increase the risk of a diabetic coma:

  • Insulin delivery problems. If you’re on an insulin pump, you have to check your blood sugar frequently. One of the reasons for this is that a kink in the insulin pump tubing may stop all insulin delivery without you being aware of it.

Even tubeless pumps can sometimes have problems that cause insulin delivery to stop. A lack of insulin can quickly lead to diabetic ketoacidosis if you have type 1 diabetes.

  • An illness, trauma or surgery. When you’re sick or injured, blood sugar levels tend to rise, sometimes dramatically. This may cause diabetic ketoacidosis if you have type 1 diabetes and don’t increase your insulin dosage to compensate.

Other medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease, may increase your risk of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.

  • Poorly managed diabetes. If you don’t monitor your blood sugar properly or take your medications as directed, you’ll have a higher risk of developing long-term complications and a diabetic coma.
  • Deliberately skipping insulin. Sometimes, people with diabetes who also have an eating disorder choose not to use their insulin as directed with the hope of losing weight. This is a dangerous, life-threatening practice that increases the risk of a diabetic coma.
  • Drinking alcohol. Alcohol can have unpredictable effects on your blood sugar, sometimes dropping blood sugar levels as late as a day or two after the alcohol was consumed. This can increase your risk of a diabetic coma caused by hypoglycemia.
  • Illegal drug use. Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and Ecstasy, can increase your risk of severe high blood sugar levels, as well as your risk of a diabetic coma.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How is diabetic coma diagnosed?

If you experience a diabetic coma, prompt diagnosis is essential. The emergency medical team will do a physical exam and may ask those who are with you about your medical history. If you have diabetes, you may want to wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace.

Lab tests

You may need various lab tests to measure:

  • Your blood sugar level
  • Your ketone level
  • The amount of nitrogen or creatinine in your blood
  • The amount of potassium, phosphate and sodium in your blood

How is diabetic coma treated?

Once your doctor spots the early signs, he may send you to the hospital. You’ll get an IV to replace lost fluids and electrolytes such as potassium. And you’ll get insulin or other medication to control your blood sugar. The coma can lead to death if left untreated.

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage diabetic coma?

The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with diabetic coma:

  • Follow your meal plan. Consistent snacks and meals can help you control your blood sugar level.
  • Keep an eye on your blood sugar level. Frequent blood sugar tests can tell you whether you’re keeping your blood sugar level in your target range — and alert you to dangerous highs or lows. Check more frequently if you’ve exercised because exercise can cause blood sugar levels to drop, especially if you don’t exercise regularly.
  • Take your medication as directed. If you have frequent episodes of high or low blood sugar, let your doctor know. He or she may need to adjust the dose or the timing of your medication.
  • Have a sick-day plan. Illness can elevate blood sugar unexpectedly. Before you get sick, talk with your doctor about how to best manage this increase in your blood sugar.
  • Check for ketones when your blood sugar is high. Check your urine for ketones when your blood sugar level is more than 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L), especially if you are sick. If you have a large amount of ketones, call your doctor for advice. Call your doctor immediately if you have any level of ketones and are vomiting.
  • Have glucagon and fast-acting sources of sugar available. If you take insulin for your diabetes, make sure you have an up-to-date glucagon kit and fast-acting sources of sugar, such as glucose tablets or orange juice, readily available to treat low blood sugar levels.
  • Consider a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), especially if you have trouble maintaining stable blood sugar levels or you don’t feel symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia unawareness). CGMs are devices that use a small sensor inserted underneath the skin to track trends in your blood sugar levels and transmit the information to a wireless device. These devices can alert you when your blood sugar is dangerously low or if it is dropping too fast. However, you still need to test your blood sugar levels using a blood glucose meter even if you’re using a CGM. CGMs are more expensive than conventional glucose monitoring methods, but they may help you control your glucose better.
  • Drink alcohol with caution. Because alcohol can have an unpredictable effect on your blood sugar, be sure to have a snack or a meal when you drink, if you choose to drink at all.
  • Educate your loved ones, friends and co-workers. Teach loved ones and other close contacts how to recognize early signs and symptoms of blood sugar extremes — and how to administer a glucagon injection. If needed, someone should summon emergency help should you pass out.
  • Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace. If you’re unconscious, the ID can provide valuable information to your friends, co-workers and others — including emergency personnel.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.

Penafian

Hello Health Group tidak menawarkan nasihat perubatan, diagnosis atau rawatan.

Fakta Disemak oleh

Hello Doktor Medical Panel


Ditulis oleh Phuong Tran · Disemak pada 11/05/2020

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