Blood Sugar Level & Diabetic Comas

A person can go into a diabetic coma if they have extremely high or low blood sugar. The coma is serious because the person is unconscious and unresponsive. If the patient is in a coma too long, brain damage may occur. Comas are possible with any type of diabetes, but are most common with Type 2. The key to avoiding comas is staying on top of insulin intake and being aware of the symptoms or causes of diabetic comas.

What is Hypoglycemia?

• Hypoglycemia is a condition that exists when the blood sugar level is too low. When a person become hypoglycemic, he will become unconscious or experience seizures.

How does a person become hypoglemic?

• If someone takes too much insulin, exercises too often, skips a meal or drinks excessive alcohol without eating, hypoglycemia may occur.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia include tiredness, weakness, disorientation, confusion, hunger and sweating. If these symptoms are low or mild, a glucose tablet may fix the problem, but if the hypoglycemia symptoms are strong be sure to contact a physician immediately to avoid a diabetic coma.

Hyperosmolar Diabetic Syndrome

• Hyperosmolar diabetic syndrome is when excess sugar makes the blood thick and syrupy. The excess sugar is pushed out the body through excessive urination, which leads to dehydration. This can then lead to a coma and unconsciousness.

Symptoms

• Hyperosmolar diabetic syndrome is a result of not taking the correct amount of insulin or consuming too much sugar. The change in blood sugar is often present when there is an abnormally high amount of urination and dehydration. If diagnosed early a coma may be avoided by an insulin and diet adjustment.