Diabetic Coma First Aid: How to Help Someone in an Emergency

What Is Diabetic Coma?

Diabetic coma is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate intervention, as it may threaten the patient’s life if it is not handled quickly and correctly.

Diabetic coma usually occurs as a result of a severe disturbance in blood glucose levels, whether due to extremely high or extremely low blood sugar. If the condition is not treated quickly, it may lead to serious complications that affect the brain and other body organs.

Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels become high due to the body not producing enough insulin, or because the body cannot use insulin effectively.

Glucose is the main source of energy in the human body. It is released after eating, then the pancreas secretes insulin, which helps glucose enter the cells so the body can use it.

In diabetes, glucose may build up in the blood due to a lack of insulin or the body’s poor response to it. This may lead to high blood sugar levels and complications if proper medical follow-up is not maintained.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires continuous follow-up. It can be controlled and its complications can be reduced through treatment adherence, a suitable diet, medical follow-up, and regular blood sugar monitoring.

Symptoms of Diabetic Coma

Before entering a diabetic coma, the patient may show a group of warning symptoms that differ depending on whether the blood sugar level is high or low.

Symptoms of High Blood Glucose

• Dizziness.
• Stomach pain or discomfort.
• Shortness of breath.
• Increased urination.
• Increased thirst.
• Dry mouth.
• Severe hunger.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• A strange or fruity smell in the breath.
• General weakness or confusion.

Symptoms of Low Blood Glucose

• Dizziness.
• Excessive sweating.
• Shaking or trembling.
• Rapid breathing.
• Nausea.
• Feeling hungry.
• Sudden anxiety or nervousness.
• Blurred vision or poor concentration.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Diabetic Coma

Several factors may increase the risk of diabetic coma, especially when the patient does not follow the treatment plan or neglects blood sugar monitoring.

• Not taking medications regularly at the prescribed time or dose.
• Severe stress, sadness, or excessive nervousness.
• Not following a suitable diet for diabetes patients.
• Eating large amounts of sugar or fats without medical follow-up.
• Undergoing surgery, having an accident, or developing a severe infection.
• A problem that prevents insulin from reaching the body properly.
• The patient’s body not responding to treatment as expected.
• High levels of ketone bodies in the body.
• Alcohol or drug use.

First Aid for a Patient with Diabetic Coma

Diabetic coma is an emergency condition, so it must be handled quickly and carefully. The main goal at this stage is to seek medical help immediately and avoid trying to treat the condition at home without medical supervision.

• Call emergency services immediately or take the patient to the nearest emergency unit as quickly as possible.
• Do not give the patient any food or drink if they are unconscious or unable to swallow.
• Place the patient on their side if they are unconscious but breathing, to reduce the risk of choking.
• Monitor breathing and pulse until emergency help arrives.
• If the patient is conscious and able to swallow, blood sugar may be checked if a glucose meter is available, then follow the instructions of the doctor or emergency team.
• Inform the emergency team about any medications the patient uses, such as insulin or diabetes medications, as well as the time of the last dose or last meal if possible.

How Is Diabetic Coma Treated in the Emergency Room?

In the emergency department, the doctor or medical team examines the patient and performs the necessary tests, such as measuring blood glucose levels, measuring ketone bodies, and evaluating fluid and electrolyte levels in the body.

Treatment of Coma Caused by High Blood Sugar

Treatment inside the hospital may include giving fluids through an IV, regulating blood sugar using insulin under medical supervision, and replacing certain salts and minerals such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate when needed.

Treatment of Coma Caused by Low Blood Sugar

In cases of severe low blood sugar, the medical team may use intravenous glucose or glucagon according to the patient’s condition, in order to raise blood sugar safely and quickly under medical monitoring.

References

• The definition of diabetic coma
• The definition of diabetes
• The symptoms of diabetic coma
• The risk factors of diabetic coma
• First aid for diabetic coma