A diabetic coma is a life-threatening complication affecting people with type I or type II diabetes. Diabetic comas are typically caused by complications from either extremely high or low blood sugar levels. Careful management of your blood glucose can prevent this problem from occurring, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the level of glucose in your bloodstream is abnormally low. Among diabetics, this can occur if you do not eat frequently enough or skip meals, drink too much alcohol, engage in intense exercise or take too much insulin. Without enough sugar, your organs, tissues and brain may not have the energy they need to be able to function normally. According to the Mayo Clinic, severe hypoglycemia that comes on acutely can cause blood sugar to drop by a large amount so quickly that it causes loss of consciousness. If you do not get treatment, or if treatment is not able to raise your blood sugar to normal before a significant amount of time has passed, you may lapse into a diabetic coma.
Diabetic Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome
Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar level rises to significantly high levels--more than 600mg/dl, according to the Mayo Clinic. Common among older people with type II diabetes, diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome causes a thickening of the blood, increased urinary output of sugar and other vital fluids from the body, severe dehydration, nausea, weakness, fatigue, diminished alertness, feelings of confusion and convulsions. According to the National Institutes of Health, if the condition is not treated promptly, it can lead to more severe impairments in movement, sensation and speech and life-threatening dehydration that affects blood pressure and heart rate. Not only can diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome lead to a diabetic coma, it may also cause a swelling of the brain, potentially fatal circulatory problems and a buildup of acid in the bloodstream.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs as a complication of diabetes when the body begins to break down fat for energy because it has insufficient insulin to break down glucose. Ketones are toxic byproducts that are released when fat is broken down. As high levels of ketones accumulate in the body, they become poisonous, resulting in a number of symptoms such as a fruity breath, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rapid breathing, dry skin, headache and frequent thirst and urination, according to the National Institutes of Health. As the condition progresses, it can cause increased difficulty in breathing while lying down, muscle stiffness and confusion that may quickly progress to loss of consciousness or coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition, so if you notice any of these signs, seek prompt medical care.
