If a person has type 1 diabetes, then he is more at risk of developing diabetic coma caused by:
■ Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
■ diabetic ketoacidosis
Whereas someone who has type 2 diabetes, generally at risk of diabetic coma because:
■ diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, particularly for patients aged middle-aged or older.
Certain factors can increase the risk of diabetic coma does not matter what type of diabetes you have, such as:
1. Insulin supply issues
Diabetics who wear insulin pumps should frequently check their blood sugar levels.
This is because the pump could be having problems so stop supply of insulin to the body.
Lack of insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis if you have type 1 diabetes.
2. Disease, trauma, or surgery
When sick or injured, blood sugar levels tend to rise, sometimes even up dramatically.
This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, especially if the person is suffering from diabetes type-1 and did not increase insulin intake to compensate.
Conditions or other health problems, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease may increase the risk of diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
3. Diabetes is not treated properly
Blood sugar that is not monitored or not taking medications as recommended may increase the risk of complications of diabetes and diabetic coma.
4. Skip the use of insulin
Sometimes, people with diabetes who also have eating disorders choose to not use the insulin in the hope of losing weight. This is a dangerous practice that can increase the risk of diabetic coma.
5. drinking alcohol
Alcohol can have unpredictable effects on blood sugar. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels thus increasing the risk of diabetic coma caused by hypoglycemia.
6. drug use
Illicit drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy can increase blood sugar levels, as well as the risk of diabetic coma.
