Diabetic Coma

Diabetic coma is a life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when blood glucose levels become extremely high or dangerously low, leading to loss of consciousness. It can develop in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and requires immediate medical attention. Diabetic coma is often the result of untreated or poorly controlled diabetes-related emergencies.

Symptoms

Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly and often worsen before loss of consciousness:

• Extreme fatigue or weakness

• Confusion or disorientation

• Severe thirst

• Frequent urination

• Nausea or vomiting

• Rapid or deep breathing

• Fruity-smelling breath

• Cold, clammy skin in low blood sugar states

• Loss of consciousness

Causes

Diabetic coma can occur due to severe imbalances in blood glucose levels:

• Extremely high blood sugar levels

• Diabetic ketoacidosis

• Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state

• Severe hypoglycemia

• Missed insulin doses or improper medication use

• Serious infections or illness

• Excessive alcohol intake

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of developing diabetic coma:

• Poorly controlled diabetes

• Skipping insulin or diabetes medications

• Infections or severe illness

• Alcohol or drug misuse

• Lack of regular blood glucose monitoring

• Previous episodes of severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia

Complications

If not treated promptly, diabetic coma can lead to severe outcomes:

• Brain damage

• Organ failure

• Heart rhythm disturbances

• Permanent neurological impairment

• Increased risk of death

• Prolonged hospitalization

Prevention

Preventive measures focus on effective diabetes management and early intervention:

• Regular blood glucose monitoring

• Adhering to prescribed diabetes treatment plans

• Recognizing early warning signs of blood sugar extremes

• Managing infections promptly

• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption

• Educating family members on emergency response

• Seeking immediate medical care when symptoms worsen