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Symptoms and diagnosis of diabetic coma

Symptoms and diagnosis of diabetic coma
Review Date: 05-10-2007
Reviewed By:
Gary Pepper, M.D., FACP
YourTotalHealth

Symptoms and diagnosis of diabetic coma

Diabetic coma is a result of very low or very high glucose (blood sugar). Therefore, symptoms related to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia present the greatest indicator that a patient may be in danger of lapsing into a diabetic coma. Among the symptoms of low glucose are dizziness, rapid heart rate, fainting, fatigue and polyphagia (extreme hunger). Among the symptoms of high glucose are dehydration, fatigue, polydipsia (extreme thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination). In addition, patients experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis may have heavy, gasping, labored breathing, known as Kussmaul breathing.

A physician will perform a physical examination and if possible obtain a medical history to try to confirm the likely cause of the coma.

Tests that may be ordered include:

*
Glucose tests. These may reveal high or low glucose levels.

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Electrolyte blood tests. These may reveal the presence of abnormal pH (acid buildup) or extreme dehydration.

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Ketone tests. These urine tests or blood tests can detect high levels of ketones characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis.

*
Brain scans. Imaging tests such as a CAT scan (computed axial tomography) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or PET scan (positron emission tomography) can reveal brain damage.

* Electroencephalogram (EEG). This test detects abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain.

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