The three main symptoms of a coma include:
Severe symptoms of DKA that could happen before a diabetes-related coma include:
Symptoms of HHS that could happen before a diabetes-related coma include:
Symptoms of severe low blood sugar that could happen before a diabetes-related coma include:
If someone near you goes into a diabetes-related coma, follow these first-aid steps:
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Three diabetes complications can lead to a coma if you don’t get proper treatment for them in time, including:
HHS and DKA can both cause severe dehydration, which can trigger a coma. As your brain needs glucose to function, a severe lack of glucose from low blood sugar can cause your brain to “shut down” and go into a coma.
Anyone who has diabetes — or undiagnosed diabetes — is at risk for a diabetes-related coma. But the increased risks for specific causes depend on the type of diabetes:
Other factors that may increase your risk include:
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A diabetes-related coma is a medical emergency. Anyone in a coma needs treatment in a hospital.
Healthcare providers can usually quickly diagnose a diabetes-related coma by knowing your medical history and doing a blood glucose test. They’ll perform other tests, too, like tests to check for ketones and your overall health.
This is why it’s important to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace — providers can find this quickly in cases of emergencies. It’s also important to tell loved ones, coworkers and acquaintances that you have diabetes, so they know what to do in case you experience complications.
The treatment for a diabetes-related coma depends on the cause. But all cases need treatment in a hospital.
Treatment for a diabetes-related coma due to DKA or HHS includes:
Treatment for diabetes-related coma due to severe low blood sugar includes:
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You may need additional medical treatments for any further complications, like organ failure.
Yes, it’s possible to survive a diabetes-related coma if you get treatment for the underlying cause. But some people have permanent brain damage. If you don’t get proper treatment in time, you can die.
DKA has a mortality (death) rate of 0.2% to 2.5%. People who go into a coma, have hypothermia (low body temperature) and have low pee output (oliguria) tend to have the worst outcomes.
Up to 20% of people who have HHS die from the condition. People who develop coma and/or low blood pressure have a poorer prognosis (outlook).
The length of a diabetes-related coma depends largely on how quickly you receive proper treatment. The only possible way to end this kind of coma is to return to healthy blood glucose and insulin levels, which only happens with treatment by medical professionals. A person in a diabetes-related coma will not come out of it on their own.
If a person in this kind of coma doesn’t receive treatment in time, they’ll likely die. “In time” varies based on the situation and person. This is why it’s essential to get help as soon as possible.
It’s crucial to know the early warning signs of DKA, HHS and low blood sugar to prevent a diabetes-related coma. Educate yourself and talk to your healthcare provider about the plan of action you need to take to treat these conditions before they become worse.
Call a healthcare provider in the following situations:
Diabetes-related comas are often preventable. The key is knowing the warning signs of DKA (diabetes-related ketoacidosis), HHS (hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state) and low blood sugar and acting fast to correct them. Be sure to call your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of any of these conditions. Diabetes complications can be scary. Being educated and prepared are crucial to preventing them. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider questions about them or your diabetes management.
Whether you’ve been living with diabetes for years or you’re newly diagnosed, you want experts you can trust. Our team at Cleveland Clinic is here to help.
Last reviewed on 10/20/2023.
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