People with diabetes who have high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) blood sugar or very low (hypoglycemia) can experience diabetic coma.
Patients who experience diabetic coma is still alive but unable to respond to stimuli such as sound, color, or light. Diabetic coma is not treated it can be fatal.
Symptoms of Diabetic Coma
Prior to diabetic coma, the patient will usually experience the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar or low blood sugar.
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
If the sugar content is too high, the patient may experience the following symptoms:
■ Increased thirst
■ Frequent urination
■ Fatigue
■ Nausea and vomiting
■ Shortness of breath
■ Abdominal pain
■ Breath smelling fruit
■ The heart beats faster
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
If the sugar level is too low, the patient may feel symptoms:
■ Trembling or nervous
■ Tired
■ Sweating
■ Hungry
■ Nausea
■ Easy to anger
■ irregular heartbeat or pounding
■ Aggressive Behavior
■ Confused
Some people develop a condition known as hypoglycemia unawareness (hypoglycemia unawareness) and no symptoms of decreased blood sugar levels as above.
Causes of diabetic coma
Extreme blood sugar levels are prolonged - blood sugar that is too high or too low in the long term - can lead to diabetic coma.
Here are some of the causes of diabetic coma:
1. Diabetic ketoacidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis)
When muscle cells need energy, the body will respond by breaking down fat deposits.
The process of forming toxic acids known as ketones. If left untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to coma.
Diabetic ketoacidosis most commonly occurs in people who have type 1 diabetes, but it can also affect people who have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes.
2. Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome (diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome)
When blood sugar levels measured peak of 600 mg / dL or 33 mmol / L, the condition is known as diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
When blood sugar reaches this level, the blood becomes thick and sweet. Excess sugar and then dumped into the drain urine that triggers a large amount of body fluids.
If left untreated, diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can cause dehydration and lead to coma.
Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is most common in middle-aged patients with type-2 diabetes.
3. hypoglycemia
The brain needs glucose to function normally. Low blood sugar levels can cause fainting.
Hypoglycemia can be caused due to insulin levels are too high or too little to eat. Exercising too hard or drinking too much alcohol can also be a cause.
