Diabetes Coma- A Deadly Silent Killer Disease
As long as people’s needs were frugal and limited, the human body was healthy. With modern developments and advancements, the health of modern people is deteriorating, and a lot of new diseases have arisen. One such killer disease is known as diabetes.
Though diabetes is a widespread disease affecting millions, many people are still not aware of its complications and capability to ruin the body from inside. This disease gradually develops, and it is usually detected when the symptoms are far too advanced. Hence it is also known as the silent killer. There are two types of diabetes and they are known as type 1 and type 2.
Diabetes Coma A Silent Killer Of Modern Days
The Factors Responsible
There are many factors responsible for this disease. The consumption of sweet items which contain more sugar, a sedentary life, lack of exercise, poor diet, unhealthy habits such as smoking and consumption of alcohol as well as some heredity traits are some of the prime factors responsible for becoming a diabetic according to medical science.
The Complications
The increase of blood sugar is the first stage in the detection of diabetes. Once it is detected, the patient is usually prescribed various medicines and given tips on how to control the disease. In many cases, this works well and the blood sugar is controlled. Over a period of time when the sugar level increases the dosage of the medicines needs to be increased accordingly, and in some cases, the expert suggests that the patient needs insulin to be injected daily.
What Causes A Diabetic Coma?
It is a known fact that diabetes directly affects the nervous system, hence when the blood sugar level goes above 600 mg there are high chances of the patient slipping into a coma. It is known as a diabetic coma situation from where the recovery of the patient is quite difficult.
The Effects
Diabetic coma is probably the worst consequence of this disease. It can occur in any patient with diabetes type 1 or 2. It may take place due to high blood sugar or low blood sugar. The human body needs glucose, and when in excess or when deficient, the patient may lose consciousness. It must be taken seriously, as it is a critical condition of the disease and immediate medical treatment is required.
In the case of non-availability of treatment, it can be harmful to the brain and can also be a life threatening situation. If the patient gets the medical care on time, he or she still has a chance to survive and recover.
The Two Situations
There are two situations responsible for this condition. In the diabetic coma stage, blood sugar can either be too high or too low. The low blood sugar levels is known as hypoglycemia and high level of sugar is known as hyperglycemia.
The symptoms of hypoglycemia are dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitations, confusion and headache. The patient may also feel somewhat shaky. In such situations, the body needs intravenous fluids immediately. In case the level of minerals such as potassium and sodium have gone too low the patient needs to have immediate supplements.
With the symptoms of hyperglycemia one may feel weakness, dizziness, vomiting, difficulty in breathing and confusion. In this case, the patient has frequent urination and also feels very thirsty. In hyperglycemia, the patient needs to be provided with glucagon injection that can help control the blood sugar fast. If the patient has slipped in a coma, immediate treatment is required to recover.
How To Prevent Diabetic Coma?
The situation of diabetic coma is life threatening, it is always better to take necessary preventive measures. The best option is to keep a check on the blood sugar levels. For a person with diabetes, there is a need to keep on checking the blood sugar levels periodically. In the case of high sugar levels, immediate medical attention and medicines can help one control the sugar levels.
In the case of hyperglycemia, the patient may take some items with sugar and the sugar level gets balanced automatically. Being aware of the symptoms of a diabetic coma can help one avoid this situation. Diabetic coma can be prevented easily in case of hyperglycemia.
The Diabetic Coma
For diabetics, exercise is absolutely necessary, provided the body of the patient can help it. Walking, jogging, brisk walking, swimming, running and other games involving physical activities are very beneficial for the patient.
A little care and medical support can help prevent the terrible condition known as diabetic coma. With the change in lifestyle habits, diabetes has evolved as a disease that is increasing at an alarming rate. The growing number of patients has led to an increase in the number of cases of diabetic coma. However, with timely medical treatment, the patient can be revived and brought out of the coma and saved.
However, if the situation continues undetected or untreated for too long, it can damage the brain permanently and also lead to a dangerous coma stage, from where recovery is almost impossible.
In case you come across someone who loses consciousness, don’t panic because it can be a simple case of fainting because of weakness or anxiety. However, at the same time, it could be a symptom of diabetic coma, hence it needs to be treated as a medical emergency. Any delay at such a stage can be dangerous be risky and cost the patient his or her life. One needs to be a bit careful if he or she has diabetes. Maintaining proper sugar levels goes a long way in treating diabetes.
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