Coma is defined as a condition of unconsciousness. Diabetic coma generally occurs in case of people with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes .We all know that irregular change of blood sugar level causes diabetes. When this blood sugar level is extremely high or extremely low human condition turns to coma, which is a very critical condition but curable and prevented. This condition is more common in Type 1 diabetes.
Causes of Diabetes coma
1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis.2. Hypoglycemia : This is the condition of extreme low blood sugar(glucose) level below3.5 mmol/L.
3. Hyper osmolar syndrome : Severe dehydration and Hyperglycemia.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis: If the patient is known to have diabetes then diagnosis’ of this can be done by observing the history of one or two days with vomiting.The diagnosis is confirmed when pathological report shows high blood sugar level and severe metabolic acidosis.
Hypoglycemia: This occurs suddenly to Type 1 diabetic patients. When pathological investigation shows very low glucose with coma stage Hypoglycemia is confirmed. It is difficult to diagnose the Hypoglycemia quickly. It affects the diabetic patients who take insulin in form of injection or oral pills. Following few points are responsible for fall of glucose causing Hypoglycemia.
- Taking too much of diabetes medication
- Not eating enough food
- Increasing physical activity without food intake
- Drinking Alcohol
Pre-determination of symptoms makes it easy to treat the patient with such types of coma. They are:
a) Shakiness
b) Clumsiness
c) Dizziness
d) Weakness
e) Sweating
f) Hunger
g) Irritability or moodiness
h) Headache
i) Blurry or double vision
j) Pounding heartbeat
k) Confusion
One should not take these symptoms casually. Being untreated Hypoglycemia can be deadly.
Hyperglycemia: If blood sugar level rises abnormally Hyperglycemia occurs leading to coma stage.
Reasons for Hyperglycemia:
- Eating too much food or the wrong foods
- Exercising too little
- Physical stress, such as an infection or other illness
- Emotional stress, such as family conflict or workplace challenges
- Forgetting to take your oral diabetes medication
- Problems with your insulin, such as not giving yourself enough insulin or using expired insulin
More urination and more thirst may be a cause of hyperglycemia.
We should not take diabetes coma casually. It has prevention. We should prevent the disease with consultation of a diabetic specialist
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by on 03. Feb, 2010 in Diabetes Complications
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