Seizures occur because of a bursting of simultaneous and contradictory signals from brain cells. Diabetes and seizures are two conditions that go hand in hand. In fact, both high and low blood sugar levels can cause diabetes seizures, as well as convulsions, coma, or even death.

If you know or are close to someone who is prone to seizures in diabetes, learn as much as you can so that you can help them through their seizures and diabetes attacks. Seizures diabetes characteristics may (but not always) include:

  • Violent convulsions
  • Muscle twitches or jerks
  • Loss of muscle tone
  • Rigid muscle
  • Altered behavior, sensations, or awareness
  • Numbness
  • Brief loss of memory
  • Detection of a strange odor or flash of light when there is none
  • Panic attack like symptoms

 

A seizure can last just a few seconds, or it may continue until medical attention is received. There is really no telling. All in all there are over 20 types of seizures. They can affect a number of things, such as motor, sensory, emotional, and cognitive abilities.

If you know that a person is having a seizure as a result of low blood sugar, do not attempt to give them anything to eat or drink. This could make them choke easily. Give them a shot of glucagon and call 911 if you feel that you must. Remember that a person having a seizure may seem alert, but really they are completely unaware of their surroundings.

Finally, if you have a child that has diabetes, it is always a possibility that they may have a seizure. Of course, no one wants to think about this sort of thing. However, you must be prepared, in this situation you have to be the one that is strong and quick thinking. If a seizure occurs protecting the airway and breathing is what you want to concentrate on, as well as assessing and correcting what caused the seizure. Skipping meals is the most common reason for diabetes seizures in both children and adolescents.

 

Canine Diabetes Seizures

 

Diabetes and seizures don’t just affect humans. Animals such as dogs and cats may have them too. This can be a scary thing for a pet owner, especially if you are close to the animal. First, don’t panic. Make a mental note of everything you can, so that you can speak accurately with the veterinarian later. Speak in a soft tone to the dog and call him (her) by his (her) name. Make him feel safe and put a rolled towel under his head to prevent him from hitting his head. Do not attempt to put anything in his mouth to keep him from swallowing his tongue; that is a myth.

 

Related articles: Diabetic Numbness | Diabetic Headaches | Childhood Diabetes Symptoms | Diabetic Foot Pain | Diabetes and Thirst | Indications of Diabetes | Diabetic Smell | Warning Signs of Diabetes | Diabetes Taste in Mouth | Signs and Symptoms of Insulin Resistance | Diabetic Stomach Pain |