A diabetes coma death is very possible. Therefore, if you see anyone who is losing or has lost consciousness and has diabetes, they should receive medical attention urgently. There are three different comas associated with diabetes, each of which can lead to a diabetes coma death. They are:

The Ketoacidotic Coma – A ketoacidotic coma is more likely to occur in a type 1 diabetic as opposed to a type 2 diabetic. This type of diabetic coma is caused by high amounts of ketones in the blood stream. Ketones are a chemical byproduct of fat being broken down to make energy, and when they accumulate it causes the blood to become acidic. This is most likely to occur when a diabetic takes the wrong dosage of insulin or when they skip meals. A ketoacidotic coma is very serious and is the most likely type to cause a diabetes coma death.

The Hyperosmolar Coma – A hyperosmolar coma is a coma which occurs from excessive loss of fluids. This happens when a diabetic’s bloodstream has high amounts of sodium, glucose, or other molecules which pull water into the bloodstream. This can happen when a person misses their insulin shots, consumes too much sugar foods, or does not take their diabetes medication properly. When blood sugar levels get too high, the kidneys pull these molecules out of the bloodstream and release them through the urine. This leads to dehydration, and if intravenous fluids are not introduced quickly, it could lead to cell damage, the brain shutting down, and eventually diabetes coma death.

The Hypoglycemic Coma – A hypoglycemic coma is more likely to occur in diabetics that use insulin for treatment. This type of coma happens when blood glucose levels fall far below normal. It most frequently occurs because too much insulin is injected. When blood sugar levels drop too low, brain cells begin to starve and the brain cannot function correctly. This can lead to diabetic coma and without prompt treatment even a diabetes coma death.

 

Preventing a Diabetes Coma Death

 

In order to prevent a diabetes coma death, it is important to know the symptoms before a diabetic coma occurs. Please read the following information, taking care to remember as much as you can:

Symptoms of ketoacidosis are:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • General weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Confusion
  • Abdominal pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry skin
  • Dry mouth
  • Increased heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Increased rate of breathing
  • A distinctive fruity odor to breath

 

Symptoms of a hyperosmolar coma are:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach pain
  • A fruity odor to breath
  • A fast heartbeat

 

Symptoms of a hypoglycemic coma are:

  • Feeling shaky or nervous
  • Feeling tired
  • Sweat
  • Nausea
  • Irritability
  • A racing or irregular heartbeat
  • Confusion