Overview
Diabetic coma is a life-threatening condition that causes unconsciousness. If you have diabetes, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to a diabetic coma.
If you’re in a diabetic coma, you’re alive, but you can’t wake up or respond deliberately to sights, sounds, or other types of stimuli. If left untreated, diabetic coma can be fatal.
The thought of a diabetic coma can be terrifying, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. The most important thing is to follow your diabetes treatment plan.
Symptoms
Symptoms of high blood sugar or low blood sugar often precede diabetic coma.
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
If your blood sugar is too high, you may experience:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Fatigue or weakness
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Stomach pain
Inhaling fruity aroma
Very dry mouth
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
If your blood sugar is too low, you may experience:
Vibration
Anxiety
Fatigue or drowsiness
Weaknesses
Sweating
Hunger
A tingling sensation in your skin
Dizziness or vertigo
Headache
Difficult to say
Blurred vision
Confusion
Fainting
Some people, especially those with long-term diabetes, are unaware of hypoglycemia. This means there are no warning signs of low blood sugar.
Check your blood sugar level immediately if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Follow your diabetes treatment based on test results. If you don’t get better quickly or if you start to get worse, get medical help right away.