5 Things You Need to Know About A Diabetic Coma

1. Diabetes Explained

Diabetes occurs when your body cannot use foods to convert sugar into energy, and the sugar accumulates in the blood stream instead of being used by cells. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas and it assists the body in utilizing glucose. High blood glucose (blood sugar) readings can cause complications from nerve damage to kidney and heart disease. In Type 1 Diabetes, also known as Juvenile Diabetes, the body simply doesn't produce insulin. Therefore, insulin must be taken daily so that the body to utilize glucose. In Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas either doesn't produce enough insulin, or it doesn't use the available insulin effectively. A Type 2 diabetic will be treated with diet modification, exercise and medication to increase the efficiency of the pancreas.

2. When Blood Sugar is Too High

High blood sugar is also known as hyperglycemia. The most common causes of this condition are diet, medication errors and illness. Many diabetics fail to recognize illness as a contributing factor, yet most diabetics will experience a higher blood sugar reading while suffering from a cold or the flu. Eating a large portion of high glycemic food combined with an inaccurate dosage of medication also contribute to high blood sugar readings. Other factors include stress and missing medication doses at the appropriate time. If blood sugar readings become too high, muscles become starved for energy, and the body breaks down fat. This produces toxic substances called ketones. Ketoacidosis, a life threatening condition for diabetics, may develop and produce a diabetic coma. Although ketoacidosis usually occurs in Type 1 diabetics, it also occurs with gestational diabetes or in Type 2 diabetes.

3. When Blood Sugar is Too Low

Hypoglycemia, occurs when blood sugar readings are too low. This low blood sugar is usually caused by taking an excessive dose of medication or taking medication without eating. Strenuous exercise and excessive alcohol intake also contribute to low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can affect the brain, causing a loss of consciousness and may produce a diabetic coma if left untreated.

4. Beware of the Symptoms

A diabetic coma starts with the signs of either hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include dry mouth, increased thirst, increased urination, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting. The symptoms of hypoglycemia include weakness, shakiness, hunger, sweating, irritability or confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms followed by fainting, get emergency medical help immediately.

5. Treatments for a Diabetic Coma

Treatment for a diabetic coma depends on the cause. If the cause is hyperglycemia, fluids will be increased to reduce the amount of ketones and extra insulin will be given. If the cause of the diabetic coma is hypoglycemia, glucagon or similar glucose treatment will be given to raise blood sugar levels. Never guess at the cause of the diabetic coma. Seek medical care immediately.