Hypoglycemic Coma

When the blood sugar drops below the normal level, the condition is known as hypoglycemia. Untreated hypoglycemia may result in seizures and coma. Hypoglycemic coma is a type of diabetic coma which usually results out of acute complications of diabetes. Diabetic coma can occur due to hyperglycemia (too much of glucose in blood) too. Excessive amount of blood glucose leads to loss of unusual amounts of fluid (excessive urination) which may also result in hyperosmolar coma. Our brain does not produce the glucose required for its functioning and it is completely dependent on the rest of the body for its supply. So, fluctuations in blood sugar levels can prove to be harmful for the brain.

Diabetic Coma Due to Hypoglycemia

Causes

• Severe hypoglycemia or untreated diabetes
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Skipping meals or severe mismanagement of food and liquid intake, for prolonged period
• Overdose of insulin may lead to hypoglycemic shock and coma; because as the blood glucose levels drop down abnormally and fast, cells tend to absorb all available glucose and leave none for the brain. This eventually results in brain cell starvation and coma.

Symptoms

• Shivers and shaky nerves
• Tiredness and continuous sweating
• Increase in hunger
• Increased fatigue and confusion
• Abdominal pain
• Progressive drowsiness
• Fruity smell in the breath
• Nervousness
• Loss of color
• Abnormal speech patterns
• Dizzy spells, and even loss of consciousness

Prognosis
Hypoglycemia attacks require prompt medical attention. If treated immediately, no permanent damage can be experienced by the patient. As soon as insulin shock symptoms are noticed, glucose candies or juice should be given to the patient. This helps restore the body's sugar levels. But if the symptoms are overlooked, if you are not aware of the symptoms or if the treatment is delayed, there can be irreversible brain damage. The patient may go into coma, a profound state of unconsciousness. A person in coma will not wake up and does not respond to pain or light as expected. Lack of normal sleep and wake cycles and inability to perform voluntary actions are the main symptoms of coma. Some patients move, talk or do actions while in coma. So diagnosis of coma should be done by an expert physician. If the patient is diagnosed with coma, then it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. Primary hypoglycemic coma treatment involves giving an injection or administering intravenous form of hormonal medicine called glucagon. This helps restore blood sugar levels quickly. The prognosis may vary according to the cause of the coma and the possibility to correct the particular situation.

Prevention
If hypoglycemia is detected, the doctor will prescribe proper medicines but the patient should have balanced meals spaced 2 - 3 hours apart. Hypoglycemic coma and its serious effects can be avoided if proper care is taken. Regular and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol can definitely help avoid serious health complications. Once you know the symptoms that indicate sudden drop of blood sugar levels, you can take appropriate steps when they are noticed. Family members should be aware of the risks associated with diabetes and they should not leave a person with hypoglycemia without any means of help. In case of acute attacks, 'Quick Medical Help' helps prevent permanent coma and irreversible brain damage. Emergency help contact number should always be accessible.

Regular exercises under the guidance of the physician can really help in keeping diabetes under check. Usually, serious symptoms of low blood sugar or hypoglycemic coma symptoms are exhibited by the body when blood glucose levels drop down to the mid 50's. Symptoms like nervousness, sweating, intense hunger, trembling, weakness, palpitations, and difficulty in speaking are easily recognizable. But, many symptoms of low blood sugar have common signs as other diseases. It is therefore necessary to consult your doctor for correct diagnosis and prompt treatment.