Diagnosis
If you experience a diabetic coma, it is very important that it's diagnosed as soon as possible. The emergency medical team will do a physical exam and may ask those who are with you about your medical history. If you have diabetes, it's a good idea to wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace.
Lab tests
At the hospital, you may need lab tests to measure:
- Your blood sugar level
- Your ketone level
- The amount of nitrogen, creatinine, potassium and sodium in your blood
Treatment
Diabetic coma requires emergency medical treatment. The type of treatment depends on whether your blood sugar level is too high or too low.
High blood sugar
If your blood sugar level is too high, you may need:
- Intravenous fluids to restore water to your body
- Potassium, sodium or phosphate supplements to help your cells work correctly
- Insulin to help your body absorb the glucose in your blood
- Treatment for any infections
Low blood sugar
If your blood sugar level is too low, you may be given a shot of glucagon. This will cause your blood sugar level to quickly rise. Intravenous dextrose also may be given to raise blood glucose levels.
Preparing for your appointment
A diabetic coma is a medical emergency that you won't have time to prepare for. If you feel symptoms of extremely high or low blood sugar, call 911 or your local emergency number to make sure help is on the way before you pass out.
If you're with someone with diabetes who has passed out or is acting strange, possibly as if they have had too much alcohol, call for immediate medical help.
What you can do in the meantime
If you have no training in diabetes care, wait for the emergency care team to arrive.
If you are familiar with diabetes care, test the unconscious person's blood sugar and follow these steps:
- If the blood sugar level is lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) (3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)), give the person an injection of glucagon. Do not try to give fluids to drink. Do not give insulin to someone with low blood sugar.
- If the blood sugar level is above 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) wait for medical help to arrive. Don't give sugar to someone whose blood sugar isn't low.
- If you called for medical help, tell the emergency care team about the diabetes and what steps you've taken, if any.
