The role of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is very important in a diabetic coma. Diabetic coma is a very serious complication of diabetes that can cause unconsciousness. It can occur as a result of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
A person who is in a diabetic coma is alive, but can’t respond to sound light, touch, or any other stimulation.
If this condition remains untreated, it can be fatal.
Many people often confuse diabetic coma with insulin shock. Even though they might seem similar, they are 2 different conditions.
This is how to differentiate diabetic coma vs. insulin shock.
Insulin shock occurs when the body reacts to hypoglycemia, or the drop in the blood sugar levels when there is too much insulin.
Even though this condition carries the name ”insulin shock”, insulin is not the main cause of this problem, and there is no shock included.
Plus, people who don’t have diabetes might also experience insulin shock if their blood glucose drops too low.
While a diabetic coma causes unconsciousness that can last for a couple of days or weeks. Also, it can dehydrate the person experiencing it.
Both conditions require immediate treatment, but a diabetic coma is more serious since it can be fatal.
There are many different reasons that can cause diabetic coma, like diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypoglycemia.
When the blood glucose levels top 600 mg/dL, the diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome occurs. As a result, the blood becomes syrupy and thick.
The excess sugar gets pulled from the blood and passes through the urine. This causes fluid to be drawn from the system.
If left untreated, this problem can lead to diabetic coma or dehydration.
This condition starves the muscles form energy, which forces the body to break down additional fat from storage.
As a result, toxins begin to form known as ketones. If this condition remains untreated, it could cause a diabetic coma.
Diabetic coma can be a result of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. So, the symptoms may vary depending on the cause.
Here are the symptoms of a diabetic coma caused by hypoglycemia:
Here are the symptoms of a diabetic coma caused by hyperglycemia:
There are many useful ways we can try to prevent this condition. These tips can help us out:
There are many useful ways to prevent this condition. Here are some tips: