Diabetic coma:Causes - Causes of Diabetic Coma

Diabetic coma:Causes

Diabetic coma:Causes
Mayo Clinic

Prolonged blood sugar extremes — blood sugar that's either too high or too low for too long — may cause various conditions, all of which can lead to a diabetic coma.

* Diabetic ketoacidosis. If your muscle cells become starved for energy, your body may respond by breaking down fat stores. This process forms toxic acids known as ketones. Left untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to a diabetic coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis is most common in people who have type 1 diabetes, but it can also affect people who have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes.
* Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome. If your blood sugar level tops 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 33 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), the condition is known as diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome. When your blood sugar gets this high, your blood becomes thick and syrupy. The excess sugar passes from your blood into your urine, which triggers a filtering process that draws tremendous amounts of fluid from your body. Left untreated, diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can cause life-threatening dehydration and loss of consciousness. Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is most common in older adults who have type 2 diabetes.
* Hypoglycemia. Your brain needs glucose to function. In severe cases, low blood sugar may cause you to pass out. Hypoglycemia is most common in people who take too much insulin or skip meals or snacks. Exercising too vigorously or drinking too much alcohol can have the same effect. How quickly your blood sugar drops influences the symptoms of hypoglycemia. For example, if it takes a few hours for your blood sugar to drop 50 mg/dL (3 mmol/L), the symptoms may be minimal. If your blood sugar drops the same amount in a few minutes, the symptoms will be more pronounced.