Uncontrolled Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to potentially fatal biochemical imbalances, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and coma. Diabetic coma is the most-feared acute complication of diabetes and, in severe cases, can lead to death.
A diabetic coma comes on slowly, usually over a period of days or weeks. It's common in older diabetics; the average age being around sixty. Undiagnosed diabetes combined with illness, as well as reactions to certain drugs, may also trigger the onset of this acute complication. If you have diabetes, the extremes in your blood sugar level may cause you to have diabetic coma.
What are the symptoms of diabetic coma? Before the onset of this complication, you will experience symptoms associated with either:
hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), orhypoglycemia which is low blood sugar.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms of hyperglycemia, especially when you are sick:
frequency of urination,extreme thirst,hunger,nausea or vomiting,abdominal pain,shortness of breath,mental disorientation,drowsiness.
It's rare for people with Type 2 diabetes to develop low blood sugar reactions, which can even include fainting at unpredictable times. Low blood sugar occurs much more frequently in people with Type 1 diabetes. Exceptions to this may include Type 2 diabetics who are taking oral anti-diabetics, but more especially those who are taking insulin. It is especially important for these people to be aware of the possibility of low blood sugar when skipping meals or during bouts of strenuous exercise which can very rapidly lower blood sugar.
Symptoms of low blood sugar vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms pointing to hypoglycemia are:
unexplained nervousness or feeling out of sorts,sudden mood swings,inability to concentrate,irritability and grumpiness,sweatiness,headache,confusion,palpitations
On the other hand, some people are not aware of any symptoms when their blood sugar levels fall.
How to prevent developing diabetic coma?
1. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common cause of diabetic coma in Type 1 diabetes. It develops when your muscles are deprived of energy causing your body to break down fat stores. This process results in the formation of ketones, the toxic acids produced from incomplete fat metabolism. If the increased blood ketone level is left untreated, diabetic coma may occur. Diabetics who suspect they could be developing diabetic ketoacidosis should check their urinary ketones as soon as they can.
2. Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is most common in middle aged-diabetics. It is characterized by the rise of the blood sugar level to more than 600mg/dL or 33mmol/L. Overwhelmingly increased blood sugar levels usually cause your kidneys to eliminate higher amounts of sugar and urine. Increased urination then leads to dehydration: if left untreated, severe dehydration and diabetic coma can occur. Call your doctor immediately if your blood sugar level test is higher than 600mg/dL, which is characteristic of this life-threatening condition. An insulin injection will be necessary.
3. Hypoglycemia. Glucose is the primary source of energy used by your brain, so with the depletion of sugar in your bloodstream, fainting may occur. The usual causes of hypoglycemia include skipping of meals or increased insulin dosages. Too much exercise and alcohol drinking may also result in hypoglycemia.
Diabetic coma is considered by medical health professionals to be a medical emergency. Since your symptoms will be unique to you, try to identify them with the use of your home glucose meter and do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention when your blood sugar levels is unusually high or low for you.
To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
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