Diabetic Coma in Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetic coma -- also known as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome -- is a serious complication that can happen to a person with type 2 diabetes who is ill or stressed. Diabetic coma occurs when the blood sugar gets too high and the body becomes severely dehydrated. Unlike ketoacidosis, which typically occurs in people with type 1 diabetes and produces similar symptoms, no ketones are formed in diabetic coma. So rarely is there an acid build up in the blood. Ketoacidosis rarely occurs in people with type 2 diabetes.
The CDC reports that diabetic coma occurs most often among people who are older than 60. This may be because older people often have an altered sense of being thirsty and are more likely to become dehydrated. Most sufferers have a history of diabetes, but for some, the disease is undiagnosed or untreated.
In most cases, there is a history of excess thirst and urination for weeks prior to diagnosis. Excess urination and extreme elevations of blood sugar levels lead to dehydration throughout the body, including cells becoming dehydrated. The severe loss of body water can lead to shock, coma, and death. Death rates can be as high as 50%.
People who are especially at risk include those who are chronically ill or disabled.
What Causes Diabetic Coma?
Causes of diabetic coma can include:
- Infection
- Heart attack
- Kidney failure
- Medicines (diuretics, heart medication, or steroids)
- Illness
- Bleeding ulcer
- Blood clot
- Uncontrolled blood sugar
What Are the Early Symptoms of Diabetic Coma?
Early symptoms that may lead to diabetic coma if not treated include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Altered mental state
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Inability to speak
- Paralysis
If you have any of these symptoms, test your blood sugar and call your doctor if your blood sugar is high. Diabetic coma typically occurs when blood sugar reaches 600 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or more.
How Is Diabetic Coma Treated?
Once early symptoms of a diabetic coma are noticed, treatment typically requires intravenous fluids as ordered by your doctor and may require insulin. It can lead to death if left untreated.
How Can Diabetic Coma Be Prevented?
Diabetic coma can be prevented by the following:
- Check your blood sugar regularly, as recommended by your health care provider.
- Check your blood sugar every four hours when you are sick.
- Take special care of yourself when you are sick.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
John A. Seibel, MD on March 08, 2009
© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Become a Rite Aid wellness+ for diabetes member and get:
- Diet tips and fitness ideas
- Tools and trackers to help monitor your blood sugar and more
- Special offers and money-saving coupons
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
