Diabetic coma death can happen to any individual suffering from diabetes when their blood glucose levels become extremely elevated and their body becomes dehydrated. Normally diabetic coma commonly referred to as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome can cause a decreased state of consciousness. This condition affects type 2 diabetics, but it can occur in people who were not even aware that they had diabetes or those that have trouble controlling their blood sugar levels.
Diabetic coma can be brought on by a variety of factors, including illness, infection, and certain medications. Medications that diabetics need to be aware of are steroids and heart medications and those that promote fluid loss or lower sugar tolerance. Other conditions that may influence this condition are blood clots, bleeding ulcers, kidney failure, heart attacks, and old age. It is important to check blood sugar levels every four hours when experiencing any infection or illness to prevent the onset of this condition.
Diabetic Coma Death – Symptoms& Treatment
Symptoms of diabetic coma are very similar to what diabetics experience when their blood glucose levels are elevated or decreased. When their levels are too high, they may notice dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and troubling breathing.In addition, their thirst and urination may become markedly increased.
When blood sugar levels drop too low, diabetics may become disorientated, irritable, and shaky. They may evenfeel drowsy, weak, sweaty, or hungry. This state may even cause partial or full paralysis and the inability to speak. When an individual recognizes these symptoms, they should immediately test their blood sugar, call their doctor, and begin to drink fluids. Most likely, they will be admitted in the hospital and a variety of tests will be conducted.
The nurses will administer intravenous fluids to rectify the dehydration and patients may require potassium, sodium, and chloride supplements to assist the cells in functioning properly. After these hormones have taken effect, patients will be given glucose or insulin to return their levels to normal. If this condition is not treated, it can result in permanent brain damage or diabetic coma death.
Diabetic Coma Death–Prevention
The most significant action an individual can take when trying to prevent diabetic episodes, diabetic coma, and diabetic coma death, are to monitor their blood sugar levels on a routine basis. Done through daily exercise and a modified diet, diabetics can decrease the likelihood that they sugar levels will become abnormal. This action will prevent a host of other problems, but if the levels do become imbalanced, it is important to seek treatment immediately.
Frequent periods of atypical glucose levels may necessitate a doctor visit to amend prescriptions, doses, and timing. A doctor may want to physically evaluate the patient and provide recommendations for other lifestyle changes. A patient may also want to consider wearing a diabetic bracelet and educating people in close proximity to them that they suffer from diabetes. If they are unable to speak or remain conscious, the bracelet and priorconversations may save their life.
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