Diabetes-related coma is a life-threatening emergency that can affect you if you have diabetes. In a diabetes-related coma, you're unconscious and unable to respond to your environment. You are either suffering from high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) or low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). You need immediate medical attention if you go into a diabetes-related coma.
Diabetes-related coma is a life-threatening emergency that can happen to you if you have diabetes. In a diabetes-related coma, you’re unconscious and unable to respond to your environment. You’re either suffering from high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) or low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). You need immediate medical attention if you go into a diabetes-related coma.
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Diabetes-related coma is mainly caused by an extremely high or low blood sugar level. One of these conditions is diabetes-related hyperosmolar syndrome. It happens in people with Type 2 diabetes. If you develop this condition:
Another condition is diabetes-related ketoacidosis, which is more common in people with Type 1 diabetes. Things to know about this condition include:
The following symptoms are your body’s warning signs that your blood sugar (glucose) is too high or too low.
Whenever you have these symptoms, check your blood sugar. If it is too high or too low, treat it according to your healthcare provider’s instructions to prevent a diabetes-related coma. If you have had diabetes for a long time, you may fall into a coma without showing any of the symptoms.
Some symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) are:
Other symptoms of high blood sugar include:
Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) also has signs and symptoms. These include:
When blood sugar is too low, the brain doesn’t receive enough fuel. This can be caused by:
While anyone who has diabetes is at risk for a diabetes-related coma, the causes depend on the type of diabetes:
Other risks that can lead to coma in anyone who has diabetes include:
Complications of a diabetes-related coma include permanent brain damage and death.
Call a healthcare provider in the following situations:
If you do call 911, let the responders know that the person has diabetes if they’re not able to communicate. If you do have diabetes, you may want to wear a medical identification item like a bracelet or necklace.
When you are taken to a healthcare facility, providers will do a physical examination and take blood to determine levels of glucose, ketones and other substances.
If you go into a diabetes-related coma, you need treatment immediately. You’re at risk for brain damage or death if there is any delay in responding.
If your blood sugar is too high, you’ll receive:
If your blood sugar is too low, you will receive:
You can help yourself prevent a diabetes-related coma by taking steps to keep your blood sugar in the target ranges. Meeting with a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is an important part of understanding how to care for your diabetes. The CDE will help you be aware of symptoms for high and low blood sugar levels and how best to manage your condition.
It's also important for your family, friends and coworkers to understand how to help you if you need help. Let them know about the symptoms of high and low blood sugar.
In terms of food and drink, here are some tips for preventing diabetes-related coma:
These are other recommendations to help you manage your blood glucose levels:
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/02/2020.
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