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What is a Diabetic Coma?

J.M. Willhite
J.M. Willhite

A loss of consciousness may be a life-threatening complication of diabetes known as a diabetic coma. Individuals in a diabetic coma are unaware of their surroundings and unresponsive to stimuli. If symptoms are ignored, this preventable condition may result in permanent brain damage or death. Proactive steps are necessary to prevent the onset of a diabetic coma.

Individuals who experience blood sugar levels that are too high or low for prolonged periods of time may develop conditions that could lead to a coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition that occurs due to an absence or insufficient supply of insulin, which forces the body to burn fat and create ketones that subsequently accumulate in the body. Hypoglycemia results from excessively low blood sugar levels caused by either insufficient food consumption or the presence of too much insulin. Hyperosmolar syndrome is a diabetic condition that results from excessively high blood sugar levels, which cause the blood to adopt a thick consistency. Individuals with hyperosmolar syndrome can easily become dehydrated since the sugar surplus may trigger excessive urination, thus forcing the body to filter immense amounts of fluid.

Lab tests can be done to further assess a patient's condition after a diabetic coma.
Lab tests can be done to further assess a patient's condition after a diabetic coma.

Signs of blood sugar extremes will generally manifest before the onset of a coma. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, may cause an individual to become shaky, moody, or confused. He or she may also exhibit symptoms that may include nausea, fatigue, and an elevated heart rate. Excessively high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, may present in similar ways to hypoglycemia. Individuals may experience additional symptoms that may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and their breath may adopt a sweet or fruity odor.

A person in a diabetic coma at a hospital will be given an intravenous fluids and insulin.
A person in a diabetic coma at a hospital will be given an intravenous fluids and insulin.

A timely diagnosis is essential to managing this condition, which is considered a medical emergency. In most cases, an emergency medical technician (EMT) may be called to assess the individual’s condition and administer proper treatment to stabilize him or her. Subsequent lab tests, utilized to evaluate blood sugar, creatinine, and ketone levels, may be ordered to further assess the individual’s condition. Additional testing may be conducted to check his or her potassium, sodium, and phosphate levels, which the body employs to promote healthy cell function.

Individuals in a diabetic coma are unaware of their surroundings and unresponsive to stimuli.
Individuals in a diabetic coma are unaware of their surroundings and unresponsive to stimuli.

Treatment for a diabetic coma is dependent on whether the person's sugar level is too low or too high. Low blood sugar levels may be stabilized with the administration of a glucagon injection, which works by quickly raising the body's sugar level. Individuals with an excessively high sugar level may be given intravenous fluids, insulin, and supplements to stabilize his or her condition. Consciousness may return once an individual's sugar level is stabilized.

People with extremely low blood sugar levels are at risk of falling into a coma.
People with extremely low blood sugar levels are at risk of falling into a coma.

Complications associated with this condition include permanent brain damage and death. Individuals with type one or two diabetes are at an increased risk for coma onset. Additional factors that might contribute to this condition may include recent surgery or illness, alcohol consumption, and illegal drug use. Those who do not properly manage their diabetes by not monitoring their sugar levels or not taking their insulin as directed are at a high risk for slipping into a diabetic coma. Proactive measures to reduce one’s risk include adhering to one’s established treatment regimen, regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking all medications as directed by a physician.

Discussion Comments

faithtoGod

My mum (59 years old) has diabetes type 2 and was rushed to the hospital two weeks ago for hyperglycemia. She's been on life support for nearly two weeks and it breaks my heart big time. She suffered a blood infection and generalized edema and had kidney damaged.

The doctor ordered dialysis and then after three days in coma, she woke up, but was still unwell. All five specialists who have treated my mum have already given up, but my dad won't give up on her. I know only a miracle from God can save my mum. I'm so scared.

So please anyone out there, please manage your diabetes, take your medication, insulin and also look after your kidneys. These organs are so important.

anon239210

In 2011, my 26 year old brother was found by his fiancee in his bed, unconscious and not breathing. He developed diabetes at the age of 19, type 1.

My brother Aaron didn't take care of his disease like he should have. He would give himself a big shot of insulin so he could eat sweets. Most of the time he wouldn't check his sugar and would guess at how much insulin he should give himself. We were always getting on to him.

I expected to hear one day that my baby brother was going to lose his legs or feet or he needs a kidney. I never expected to hear the words Aaron is dead. Please, all of you diabetics, take care of yourselves because you have people who love you very much and it breaks our hearts to lose you. Please take care!

anon82996

my brother has diabetes. He broke his hip and had an operation to fix it. Four days later he slipped into a coma and woke up about a week later. It's the second week now and he's non-responsive. He just lies there with his eyes open. He doesn't know we're there. He can't speak or walk, his hands are turned in and his face swelled. His conscious level was at 9, dropped to 3 then 7 than 9 then 6 now 9. Can anyone help?

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    • Lab tests can be done to further assess a patient's condition after a diabetic coma.
      By: Kesu
      Lab tests can be done to further assess a patient's condition after a diabetic coma.
    • A person in a diabetic coma at a hospital will be given an intravenous fluids and insulin.
      By: ShpilbergStudios
      A person in a diabetic coma at a hospital will be given an intravenous fluids and insulin.
    • Individuals in a diabetic coma are unaware of their surroundings and unresponsive to stimuli.
      By: gwimages
      Individuals in a diabetic coma are unaware of their surroundings and unresponsive to stimuli.
    • People with extremely low blood sugar levels are at risk of falling into a coma.
      By: zothen
      People with extremely low blood sugar levels are at risk of falling into a coma.