Diabetes coma

Diabetes coma

In today's world, many people recognize the need to be educated about the reality of illness. In addition to acquiring basic knowledge about conditions to which they may be susceptible, individuals must develop prevention strategies that will enable them to live profoundly healthy lives. One condition that more and more people want to learn more about is diabetes. For more information about this condition and some of its serious consequences, including diabetic coma, see the following information:

SO…WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person's blood sugar (sugar) is too high. Blood sugar is the body's primary source of energy and is found in the foods we consume. Insulin, a hormone made by the body's pancreas, allows glucose from food to enter our cells. The food is then used for energy. If the body doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use it effectively, the glucose stays in the blood and never reaches the cells. In some cases, people refer to diabetes as “borderline diabetes” or “a touch of sugar.” These phrases indicate that the person does not actually have diabetes or is struggling with a less critical illness. Nevertheless, every case should be identified, evaluated and monitored.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT DIABETES?

The three most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

DIABETES TYPE 1

People with type 1 diabetes find that their body does not produce insulin. Instead, their immune system attacks and destroys the pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production. Typically, this form of diabetes is diagnosed in young adults and children. However, it can occur at any stage of life. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to live.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

People struggling with type 2 diabetes find that their body does not produce or use insulin effectively. People can acquire this form of diabetes at any stage of life, including childhood. However, the condition is most common in older and middle-aged people. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs in some women during their pregnancy. Generally, this form of diabetes ends once the baby is born. However, if you have gestational diabetes, you are more susceptible to type 2 diabetes later. In some cases, the form of diabetes diagnosed during a woman's pregnancy is type 2.

OTHER FORMS OF DIABETES

A less common form of diabetes is monogenic diabetes. This is a form of diabetes that individuals inherit. Another less common form of diabetes is cystic fibrosis-related diabetes

IS DIABETES COMMON?

In 2015, 30.3 million Americans had diabetes. This is 9.4% of the population. Over 1 in 4 of these people were unaware they were struggling with the disease. Diabetes affects 1 in 4 people over 65 years old. Approximately 90-95% of adults with diabetes deal with the type 2 form.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

There are several symptoms that may indicate that a person is struggling with diabetes. Some of them include:

• Increased urination and thirst

• Fatigue

• Increased hunger

• Numbness in hands or feet

• Blurred vision

• Unexplained weight loss

• Wounds that do not heal

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by a variety of factors, including genes and lifestyle. Some considerations:

Obesity, overweight and physical inactivity

If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and are currently obese or overweight, you are more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes. In some cases, carrying excess weight can lead to insulin resistance. The location of body fat is also important. In particular, excess fat in the abdominal area is linked to blood vessel disease, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. BMI charts can help you determine whether your current weight increases your susceptibility to this condition.

INSULIN RESISTANCE

Typically, type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance. This is a condition in which fat cells, liver and muscles do not use insulin effectively. As a result of this physical deficiency, the body requires more insulin to ensure that glucose can enter the cells. Initially, the patient's pancreas will produce more insulin to compensate for the additional need. Over time, the person's pancreas will not produce enough insulin. This in turn leads to an increase in blood sugar levels.

GENES AND FAMILY HISTORY

Unfortunately, there are some genes that can make a person more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes. The disease usually runs in families. Additionally, it occurs most commonly in the following ethnic/racial communities:

• African Americans

• American Indians

• Alaska Natives

• Hispanics / Latinos

• Asian Americans

• Pacific Islanders

• Native Hawaiians

Also note that a person's genes can increase their susceptibility to type 2 diabetes by increasing their risk of becoming obese or overweight.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE DIABETES?

Over time, health complications can occur in people who have too much glucose in their blood. Some of them include:

• Stroke

• Heart disease

• Foot problems

• Eye problems

• Kidney disease

• Nerve damage

• Dental disease

DIABETIC COMA

Another health problem a person may have as a result of diabetes is diabetic coma. This type of coma is an unconscious state that results from either hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

There are many symptoms that may indicate that a person is in this type of coma. Symptoms for those with hyperglycemia include:

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue

• Increased urination

• Shortness of breath

• Drowsiness

• Weak pulse

• Increased thirst

• Restless walking

• Dry mouth

• Fast heart rate

• Hunger

• Fruity smell on breath

Symptoms for those with hypoglycemia include:

• Sweat

• The weakness

• Fear

• Fatigue

• Shakiness

• Rapid breathing

• Nausea

• Confusion

• Nervousness

• Drowsiness

• Communication problems

• Dizziness

• Hunger

Other risk factors include:

• Trauma

• Surgery

• Illness

• Poor diabetes management

• Use of illegal substances

• Problems with insulin delivery

• Skipping insulin doses

• Drink alcohol

TREATMENT

Insulin injection diabetic coma

If people fall into a diabetic coma, they need immediate treatment. If treatment is delayed, the person may suffer death or brain damage.

If the person's blood sugar was too high, treatment includes:

• Intravenous fluids

• Insulin

• Supplements of potassium, sodium and phosphate

If the person's blood sugar is too low, treatment includes:

• 50% dextrose solution

• Intravenous fluids

• Glucagon (a hormone that increases the person's blood sugar)

PREVENTION

There are several strategies that can be implemented to reduce an individual's susceptibility to diabetic coma. Some of them include:

• Check and record your blood sugar according to the times recommended by your doctor

• Know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar

• Learn about foods that affect your blood sugar levels and design an individual diet plan that promotes blood sugar balance

• Don't skip meals

CONCLUSION

In today's world, millions of people struggle with diabetes. To ensure you can avoid or properly treat the disease, it's important to learn as much about it as possible. Review the information described above so that you have a clear and concise understanding of what this condition is and how it works in the body. Also share this information on social media to help more people become aware of the role diabetes can play in their life or that of a loved one.

Inspired by Keith E. Barker