What causes diabetic coma?
Blood glucose levels that are too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia) can both result in diabetic coma. Causes of diabetic coma are: • severe hypoglycemia • advanced diabetic ketoacidosis (from hyperglycemia, shock, and dehydration) • hyperosmolar coma (from hyperglycemia and dehydration) • lactic acidosis • metabolic acidosis. Coma from Insulin Shock (severe hypoglycemia) When coma is induced from low blood glucose levels, it may also be referred to as “insulin shock.” Insulin shock, an extreme episode of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is caused by too much insulin in the body. Untreated, insulin shock can lead to coma, seizures, and death. Severe hypoglycemia can occur rapidly, even over minutes, and should always be treated immediately. Unconsciousness due to hypoglycemia can occur within 20 minutes to an hour after early symptoms and is not usually preceded by other illness or symptoms. Twitching or convulsions may occur. A person unconscious from hypoglycemia is usual
