Diabetic coma

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis
Complications
Treatments and drugs
Prevention

Definition

A coma is a state of unconsciousness. A diabetic coma is a life-threatening diabetes complication.

If you have diabetes, dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to a diabetic coma. If you lapse into a diabetic coma, you're alive — but you can't awaken or respond purposefully to sights, sounds or other types of stimulation. Left untreated, a diabetic coma can be fatal.

The prospect of a diabetic coma is scary, but there's good news. The risk of a diabetic coma is small — and prevention is in your hands. Start by following your diabetes treatment plan.

Symptoms