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Uncontrolled diabetes may lead to a diabetic coma or unconsciousness.

The 3 types of coma associated with diabetes are: hypoglycaemic coma

Which was previously known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), though it can occasionally occur in This type of coma is triggered by the build-up of chemicals called ketones.

Ketones are strongly acidic and cause the blood to become too acidic.

When there is not enough insulin circulating, the body cannot use glucose for energy. Instead, fat is broken down and then converted to ketones in the liver.

The ketones can build up excessively when insulin levels remain too low. Common causes of ketoacidosis include a missed dose of insulin or an acute infection in a person with type 1 diabetes. Ketoacidosis may be the first sign that a person has developed type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis are:

  • a fruity or acetone smell on the breath. In order to pick up the earliest signs of ketoacidosis
  • people with type 1 diabetes whose blood glucose levels are particularly high require more frequent monitoring of blood glucose

If available, blood ketone testing is preferred.

If blood ketone testing is not available, urine testing may be used. A diabetic hyperosmolar coma is caused by severe dehydration and very high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia).

Events that can lead to high blood glucose levels include:

  • Those at most risk of this type of coma are people with type 2 diabetes
  • who have an infection or acute illness
  • have reduced their intake of fluids. The kidneys respond to high levels of blood glucose by doing their best to remove it
  • along with a great deal of

The person experiencing diabetic hyperosmolarity will be very thirsty, but they can’t drink enough water to replace the lost fluids.

They will become dehydrated and urgently need intravenous fluids.

Without this kind of treatment, they may lapse into hyperosmolar coma

Hyperosmolar coma develops slowly over several days or weeks, so if the high blood glucose levels or dehydration are detected and treated early, coma can be prevented.

If the blood glucose falls to very low levels, the person may become unconscious (hypoglycaemic coma) and seizures may occur.

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:

  • confusion altered behaviour drowsiness or coma – these may occur if the blood glucose level becomes very low

Prolonged or frequent coma should be avoided and hypoglycaemia needs to be treated quickly. for someone who has lapsed into a diabetic coma includes:

  • Call 911 for an ambulance immediately. Don’t try to give them anything to eat or drink
  • as they may choke

Turn them onto their side to prevent obstruction to breathing. Follow any instructions given to you by the operator until the ambulance officers arrive. Don’t try to give them an insulin injection.

If available, administer 1 mg of glucagon for rapid reversal of hypoglycaemia.

A coma is a medical emergency.

A quick diagnosis can save the person’s life

The cause of a diabetic coma is diagnosed using a number of tests including: physical examination – the person may be wearing an emergency bracelet identifying their medical condition – including tests for glucose and ketone levels. Treatment options for diabetic coma include: – an injection of glucagon (if available) to reverse the effects of insulin or administration of intravenous glucose.

About diabetes Diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood glucose (sugar) levels diabetic ketoacidosis coma hyperosmolar coma Diabetic ketoacidosis coma Diabetic ketoacidosis typically occurs in people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes Symptoms of ketoacidosis extreme thirst lethargy frequent urination (due to high blood glucose levels) nausea vomiting abdominal pain progressive drowsiness deep, rapid breathing Diabetic hyperosmolar coma forgotten diabetes medications or insulin an infection or illness, such as the flu or pneumonia increased intake of sugary foods or fluids water Diabetic hypoglycaemic coma Hypoglycaemia takes an extra dose or an increased dose exercises strenuously without eating extra food or reducing their medication misses a meal or snack drinks too much alcohol Symptoms of hypoglycaemia tremor racing pulse or heart palpitations sweating weakness intense hunger First aid for diabetic coma First aid Diagnosis of diabetic coma medical history blood tests Treatment for diabetic coma ketoacidotic coma – intravenous fluids, insulin and administration of potassium hyperosmolar coma – intravenous fluids, insulin, potassium and sodium given as soon as possible hypoglycaemic coma Where to get help In an emergency, always call 911 Emergency department of the nearest hospital Your GP (doctor) Diabetes specialist National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) 1800 637 700 Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Clinic (616) 555-0200 American Diabetes Association Tel.

(616) 555-0400 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (616) 555-0400.

Key Points

  • Ketones are strongly acidic and cause the blood to become too acidic
  • ketones can build up excessively when insulin levels remain too low
  • Common causes of ketoacidosis include a missed dose of insulin or an acute infection in a person with type 1 diabetes
  • Symptoms of ketoacidosis are: a fruity or acetone smell on the breath
  • diabetic hyperosmolar coma is caused by severe dehydration and very high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia)