What happens if you go into a diabetic coma?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 38.4 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. Each year, a small number of those people experience a diabetic coma.

A diabetic coma is a period of unconsciousness without responsiveness to any stimulation. A medical emergency that can be fatal if left untreated, a diabetic coma can be reversed by treating the underlying condition, and blood sugar stabilizes.

(If you saw the movie Steel Magnolias, you probably remember that Shelby, the character played by Julia Roberts, has Type 1 diabetes and slips into a diabetic coma late in the film.)

The facts about diabetic coma

Diabetes is most often associated with high blood sugar, but a person with diabetes can also develop blood sugar that’s too low. Both high and low blood sugar can cause a diabetic coma.

Several underlying conditions may cause extremely high or low blood sugar and can lead to cases of diabetic coma in people with diabetes:

• Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome is a complication that only occurs in people with Type 2 diabetes. The syndrome causes extremely high blood glucose levels without the presence of ketones.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)is most common among people with Type 1 diabetes but can also affect people with Type 2 diabetes. DKA occurs when the body breaks down fat too quickly. The fat turns into ketones, which causes the blood to become acidic.
• Hypoglycemia is a condition that causes very low blood sugar, measuring 70 mg/dL or less. It can occur for several reasons, including taking too much insulin or not eating enough.

How to stay out of the danger zone

Anyone with diabetes can experience a diabetic coma, but you can take steps to lower your risk by effectively managing your condition. One critical step you can take is to be sure you’re able to recognize the signs of your blood sugar getting out of control.

Signs of high blood sugar that may precede a diabetic coma include:

• Dry mouth
• Fruity breath
• Increased thirst
• More frequent urination
• Shortness of breath

Signs of low blood sugar that may precede a diabetic coma include:

• Anxiety
• Hunger
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Tingly skin

Both extremely high or extremely low blood sugar can cause blurry vision, confusion, and headache. If you experience any of these symptoms, check in with a medical provider.

What else can you do to protect your health if you’re living with diabetes? Try some of these diabetes management strategies:

• Check your blood sugar as directed. When feeling under the weather, you may need to check it more frequently to ensure it doesn’t dip too low or go too high.
• Take medications as prescribed. If you take oral or injected diabetes medications or regularly take insulin shots or insulin through a pump, use it as prescribed. Don’t self-adjust your dosage; let your primary care provider or endocrinologist tell you when to make any necessary changes.
• Monitor how you’re feeling. Over time, you’ll know what’s normal for you and what’s not. If something seems out of the norm, let your provider know. It’s also a good idea for loved ones to know the signs that you may have high or low blood sugar so they can recognize potential problems.
• Let others know you have diabetes. Wearing a medical bracelet or necklace alerts others that you have diabetes and what type of diabetes you have so they can help you get the care you need quickly. If someone seeks medical care for you, medical ID jewelry can let a medical provider know to check your blood glucose levels.

It’s possible to develop some of the causes of diabetic coma before you even know you have diabetes. Ask your medical provider at your next appointment about being screened for diabetes.

Living with diabetes? Learn more about Diabetes Care at LCMC Health, or find a specialist near you.