Diabetic coma – hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic. Symptoms and Treatment

Diabetic coma is a life-threatening condition, and therefore it requires immediate help and appropriate treatment.

Diabetic coma is a medical emergency. It occurs as a result of excess or deficiency of glucose. It is primarily people with improperly treated diabetes. Knowing the symptoms of a diabetic coma is helpful so that you know when to see your doctor.

Diabetic coma is a serious complication of untreated or improperly managed diabetes. There are hypoglycemic coma and hyperglycemic coma. The type of disorder strictly depends on blood glucose and insulin levels. A person who develops symptoms of a diabetic coma should seek professional help immediately. Its absence increases the risk of death.

At what glucose levels can you fall into a diabetic coma?

Diabetic coma occurs when blood glucose levels are around 20 mg / dL. However, you should remember that the concentration below 70 mg / dl is considered abnormal, and the first symptoms can be observed when it drops below 50 mg / dl. This condition is known as hypoglycaemia.

It is also dangerous when it comes to hyperglycaemia, i.e., an excessively high level of glucose in the blood. The condition is diagnosed when it exceeds 200 mg/dL after a meal (or 126 mg/dL in a fasted state). However, a diabetic coma is at risk when blood sugar levels exceed 400 mg/dL.

Make sure you have enough money to adapt to the new situation when diagnosed with diabetes.

Hypoglycemic coma

Hypoglycemic coma is associated with a deficiency of blood glucose. The reasons for this are:

• taking too much insulin
• Missing or consuming an inappropriate meal (too little carbohydrate),
• too long a break between meals,
• intense physical exertion.

The symptoms of a diabetic coma are quite characteristic. Initially, weakness, hand tremors, hunger, psychomotor agitation, increased sweating, dilation of the pupils, dizziness, nausea and restlessness appear. Along with the decrease in blood glucose levels, there are: visual disturbances, excessive sleepiness, convulsions, confusion, impaired motor coordination, and loss of consciousness and consciousness.

Hyperglycemic coma

A hyperglycemic diabetic coma occurs as a result of elevated blood glucose levels. This can happen if a person misses a dose of insulin or takes too little of the drug. An increase in sugar levels is also observed after alcohol abuse, in acute cardiovascular diseases and in pancreatitis.

Symptoms of a diabetic coma caused by too high glucose levels that may occur before you become unconscious include: increased thirst, increased heart rate, fast and shallow breathing, reddening of the skin on the face, acetone smell from the mouth and pain in the chest. The appearance of the above symptoms is an indication for urgent contact with a doctor.

Treatment of diabetic coma

Treatment of a diabetic coma depends primarily on its type. In the event of hypoglycaemia, it is necessary to give the patient 5% or 10% of the glucose intravenously. In contrast, hyperglycemia is treated with continuous insulin infusion and fluid infusions to restore the acid-base balance. You may also need to correct your potassium levels.

Treatment of a diabetic coma is carried out in a hospital. Each diabetes complication requires further examinations and specialist consultations

Diabetic coma – prognosis

The prognosis in a diabetic coma is good if the sick person receives appropriate treatment immediately and the cause of the disorder (e.g., incorrect insulin therapy regimen) is removed. Failure to do so may result in permanent damage to internal organs and even death.