What is a diabetic coma?
Overview 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.
How can I prevent a diabetic coma?
You can help yourself prevent a diabetic coma by taking steps to keep your blood sugar in the target ranges. Meeting with a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is an important part of understanding how to care for your diabetes. The CDE will help you be aware of symptoms for high and low blood sugar levels and how best to manage your condition.
What is the relationship between hyperosmolar syndrome and diabetic coma?
People with Type 2 diabetes have a greater chance of going into a diabetic coma from diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome than from diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia.
What causes coma in diabetic ketoacidosis?
Dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte imbalance may lead to a coma if untreated. Hypoglycemia and cerebral edema are not associated with coma in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. The nurse is caring for a diabetic patient with neurogenic bladder.
What is a 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.
What to do if you pass out from a diabetic coma?
When to see a doctor. A diabetic coma is a medical emergency. If you feel extreme high or low blood sugar signs or symptoms and think you might pass out, call 911 or your local emergency number. If you're with someone with diabetes who has passed out, call for emergency help, and be sure to let the emergency personnel know ...
Why does insulin stop?
Insulin delivery can stop if the pump fails or the tubing (catheter) is twisted or falls out of place. A lack of insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. An illness, trauma or surgery. When you're sick or injured, blood sugar levels tend to rise, sometimes dramatically.
What happens if you don't monitor your blood sugar?
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 meals or insulin.
What is a continuous glucose monitor?
Continuous glucose monitor. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device that measures your blood sugar every few minutes using a sensor inserted under the skin. Good day-to-day control of your diabetes can help you prevent a diabetic coma. Keep these tips in mind:
What is the name of the condition where blood sugar is low?
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Signs and symptoms of a low blood sugar level may include: 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.
How to help someone who is passing out?
If you pass out, someone should be able to call for emergency help. Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace.
What is a diabetic coma?
Diabetic coma is a life-threatening emergency that can happen to you if you have diabetes. In a diabetic coma, you’re unconscious and unable to respond to your environment. You’re either suffering from high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) or low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
Why do people with Type 1 diabetes have a greater chance of going into a diabetic coma?
People with Type 2 diabetes have a greater chance of going into a diabetic coma from diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome than from diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia.
How to prevent diabetic coma?
In terms of food and drink, here are some tips for preventing diabetic coma: Learn about foods that affect your blood sugar and the best meal plan for you. Don’t skip meals. Keep treatment for a low blood sugar with you at all times (example: four glucose tabs, a small juice box, or five Life Savers®).
What happens if you see a diabetic confused?
If you see a person with diabetes who appears confused, they may be having a low blood sugar episode. Left untreated, the low blood sugar could lead to a diabetic coma. If the person is still able to follow instructions, give him or her something to drink or eat and call for an ambulance or 911.
What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
Some symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) are: Tiredness. Abdominal pain.
How to manage blood sugar?
These are other recommendations to help you manage your blood glucose levels: Check and record blood sugar levels at the times recommended by your healthcare provider. Follow instructions for proper dosage and timing of medications and insulin. Learn how different types of exercise affect your blood sugar.
What to do if you call 911 for diabetes?
If you do have diabetes, you may want to wear a medical identification item like a bracelet or necklace.