Diabetic shock, also known as insulin shock, occurs when the amount of blood sugar, or glucose, in the body drops too low for proper body and brain function. Diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce effective levels of insulin, the hormone responsible for blood sugar regulation, or in which the body does not respond well to the insulin that is produced.
Diabetes may make blood sugar too high or too low. Without enough insulin to keep blood glucose in balance, sugar levels can drop too low, a condition called hypoglycemia. Diabetic shock can occur with severely low blood sugar. The National Institutes of Health advises that the early recognition of hypoglycemic symptoms is important to prevent diabetic shock.
Mental Changes
Mental status changes are among the first symptoms of low blood sugar. Some diabetics experience mental changes with blood sugar that is minimally low, while others can experience much lower levels before having symptoms. Mental changes can include confusion, memory loss and combative or aggressive behavior. These changes can happen quickly and worsen if low blood sugar is not quickly treated. A diabetic with hypoglycemia may also feel dizzy and weak, or be lethargic and difficult to rouse or engage. Without treatment, unconsciousness will ensue as a result of diabetic shock.
Unconsciousness
An untreated hypoglycemic episode will deplete all of the body's ability to function without blood glucose, which the brain uses to fuel normal body and mental functions. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that unconsciousness will result if treatment is not obtained. An unconscious diabetic will not respond to attempts to rouse him. His skin may be cool, clammy and sweaty. Respirations may be slow and shallow, while the pulse may be rapid and weak. These symptoms indicate diabetic shock has occurred and the victim needs immediate blood sugar replacement to prevent coma.
Seizure
The brain can send erratic signals to the muscles during severely low blood sugar, resulting in a seizure. A victim may fall to the floor suddenly and have uncoordinated body movements, such as thrashing of the arms or legs. Muscles may twitch and cause twisting of the extremities. Alternately, the victim may have little abnormal body movements. In some cases, diabetic seizure can be hard to recognize. Seizures generally cause the loss of body functions, causing the victim to urinate during the episode, which may be a warning sign that a seizure has occurred.
