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), also diabetic ketoacidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe complication of diabetes, in which the body produces large amounts of keto-acids) 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 idea of a diabetic coma is scary, but you can take steps to help prevent it. Start by following your diabetes treatment plan.
Symptoms
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 lightheadedness
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
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.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-coma/symptoms-causes/syc-20371475
