A diabetic coma occurs is a life-threatening complication that causes unconsciousness to patients with dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Caring for a senior with diabetes can be scary. So Providence Home Health and Hospice LLC are here to talk about some of the signs and symptoms of a diabetic coma and how to prevent it from happening.
According to caregivers in home health in Wichita, Kansas, diabetic comas start off as symptoms of high blood sugar and low blood sugar. It’s best if you take note of these symptoms:
- For hyperglycemia:
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- For hypoglycemia:
- Nausea
- Difficulty speaking
Some patients, especially those receiving hospice care services develop a condition known as hypoglycemia unawareness. This means that they won’t be receiving warning signs about drops in their blood sugar.
If your loved one is experiencing symptoms of high or low blood sugar, test their blood sugar and follow their diabetes care plan based on the results. If your loved one is still feeling the symptoms, call for emergency help.
When should you see a doctor?
A diabetic coma is a medical emergency. If your loved one is feeling the signs and symptoms of either high or low blood sugar despite following their treatment plan, call 911 or your local emergency number.
If you’re with someone you know is diabetic and they fall unconscious, call for emergency help right away. Be sure to inform the emergency personnel that the patient is diabetic.
We know these things can be scary to deal with alone. If your loved one is living with a progressive illness, they can be at a higher risk of complications. Let home health & hospice in Kansas know when you need some backup. Dial 316-558-5956.
