Know the Signs of Insulin Shock and Diabetic Coma

If you’re living with diabetes, you need to be able to recognize the signs of insulin shock and diabetic coma, because they can happen so quickly that if you don’t catch them early, it could lead to permanent complications, such as limb amputation or even death. In this article, we’ll show you how to tell the difference between these two emergencies and what you should do if you suspect either one. We’ll also give some tips on how to prevent insulin shock and diabetic coma from happening in the first place.

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Insulin shock is a common term for low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia.
Variations exist in terms of what blood sugar level causes symptoms. Usually, symptoms set in with a blood sugar level less than 70 mg/dL. Low blood sugar causes the release of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. This then leads to the early symptoms of insulin shock, which comes on quickly. (Read about low blood sugar levels.)
If you don’t respond to a plummeting blood sugar in a timely manner, your brain will not receive the glucose it needs, and the symptoms will become more intense. If the levels stay low for too long, you could experience a seizure or a diabetic coma.

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
Nausea, vomiting, excess thirst or hunger, blurred vision, fatigue, weight loss despite increased appetite, frequent urination and rapid breathing. If these symptoms persist without relief for more than one day or recur over several days you should consult your doctor immediately as they can be signs of a diabetic emergency.

How to Prevent a Hypo from Turning into Diabetic Coma
You may be low on insulin, or you might have taken too much insulin. You can prevent hypoglycemia from turning into a diabetic coma by treating it quickly. If your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, eat a high-carbohydrate snack with protein. If your blood sugar is above 300 mg/dL, eat protein to lower it. Make sure to treat an episode at its first sign: otherwise, you risk slipping into a diabetic coma, which could lead to serious health consequences or even death. While there are no home remedies for insulin shock or diabetic coma, here are some steps you can take if either occurs:
You’re feeling drowsy; try to get somewhere safe so that you don’t fall down.
Let someone know how long it’s been since your last meal (and whether you took any insulin). Then let them know what type of treatment—or glucose—you need right away.