"Diabetic Coma" is scary!! Diabetic Information -Mellitus knowledge that may save your life!
"Coma". It's a scary word. But what does it have to do with diabetes? ... Diabetic Comas are for real. One of the scariest times in my life (even more so for my wife) is when I awakened at 3:00 AM, not in my bed at home but on a stretcher in the emergency room at the Jefferson Memorial hospital in Jefferson City, Tennessee. I was at home, awakened by symptoms of low sugar; my wife rushed a glass of cold, tasty orange juice which I gulped like a dying man in a desert after water; I tried to heave myself to the side of the bed, then it happened. I don't really remember it happening; I do remember hearing sounds in the distance. I was asleep and couldn't wake. When Barbara returned from the kitchen, there I was snoozing (she thought). She spoke to me; I didn't answer. I just lay there.
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Coma or diabetic blackouts are SCARY!
My experience was one of our most frightening times as a family!
Diabetic Stories - I have one to tell
My Diabetic Story
My diabetic story may not be unique to diabetic stories but it may help someone. The day was stress laden. My wife's father had passed away and we were with her mother and her family most of the time. Being on the move we ate out a few times. Before the midday meal, I checked my sugar levels as was my custom. Of course with all the stress, It was a little high. I couldn't delay eating so I ate with the family. I am on insulin pump therapy, and I could not count carbohydrates very well at this particular meal but estimated my injection dosage to the best of my ability. My mind really wasn't on myself at this time. About an hour and a half after consumption I followed up with another test. My level was 350ml/dl (see my site on Insulin -Weight Loss and Insulin Weight Gain <>to see what these number mean).
I was shocked at how high it was. When taking diabetic classes, I had learned the correct insulin dosage for correcting high sugar ml/dl levels and I applied insulin immediately. We kept driving. Another hour and half passed and I checked my sugar again. 320 it read and I couldn't believe my eyes. At this time in my diabetes I didn't fully understand a phenomenon my endocrinologist called "stacking". Stacking happens when for some reason (e.g. stress) your sugar levels appear not to be reacting to the insulin as they should. Under that circumstance you are supposed to take extra insulin but much more conservatively and with considerable care. I took another full correction and it was stacking, waiting to be released later. We were home now and time for the dinner meal. This time I took a shot. I was always very aggressive to bring my sugar down and this time that was a major mistake. When bed time arrived around 10:00 PM, my sugar was normal. At last. At last I had brought it down! So we retired for the night.
Then, the nightmare began. I woke at midnight, trembling, sweating and shaking. My sugar was 60. I immediately ate something. I went back to bed. It continued to drop. At 2:00 AM - 50 ml/dl and still dropping. Orange juice time and I gulped it. I have had it down as low as 40 before and it was never fun and I knew I had to react quickly and so down with the juice! But the stacking affect was still lowering my sugar levels.
My thinking lost all center, my mouth and lips grew numb, my speech slurred, my motions slowed, my eyes lost focus and the world began to move like a slow motion video. When my sugar level hit 20, I was completely out of it. Whether I was in an actual coma, I know not. I just lay there, lifeless, except for an occasional groan and some flailing of my arms when someone tried to joust me.
My diabetic story may not be unique to diabetic stories but it may help someone. The day was stress laden. My wife's father had passed away and we were with her mother and her family most of the time. Being on the move we ate out a few times. Before the midday meal, I checked my sugar levels as was my custom. Of course with all the stress, It was a little high. I couldn't delay eating so I ate with the family. I am on insulin pump therapy, and I could not count carbohydrates very well at this particular meal but estimated my injection dosage to the best of my ability. My mind really wasn't on myself at this time. About an hour and a half after consumption I followed up with another test. My level was 350ml/dl (see my site on Insulin -Weight Loss and Insulin Weight Gain <>to see what these number mean).
I was shocked at how high it was. When taking diabetic classes, I had learned the correct insulin dosage for correcting high sugar ml/dl levels and I applied insulin immediately. We kept driving. Another hour and half passed and I checked my sugar again. 320 it read and I couldn't believe my eyes. At this time in my diabetes I didn't fully understand a phenomenon my endocrinologist called "stacking". Stacking happens when for some reason (e.g. stress) your sugar levels appear not to be reacting to the insulin as they should. Under that circumstance you are supposed to take extra insulin but much more conservatively and with considerable care. I took another full correction and it was stacking, waiting to be released later. We were home now and time for the dinner meal. This time I took a shot. I was always very aggressive to bring my sugar down and this time that was a major mistake. When bed time arrived around 10:00 PM, my sugar was normal. At last. At last I had brought it down! So we retired for the night.
Then, the nightmare began. I woke at midnight, trembling, sweating and shaking. My sugar was 60. I immediately ate something. I went back to bed. It continued to drop. At 2:00 AM - 50 ml/dl and still dropping. Orange juice time and I gulped it. I have had it down as low as 40 before and it was never fun and I knew I had to react quickly and so down with the juice! But the stacking affect was still lowering my sugar levels.
My thinking lost all center, my mouth and lips grew numb, my speech slurred, my motions slowed, my eyes lost focus and the world began to move like a slow motion video. When my sugar level hit 20, I was completely out of it. Whether I was in an actual coma, I know not. I just lay there, lifeless, except for an occasional groan and some flailing of my arms when someone tried to joust me.
The Paramedics first concern was to properly treat me and to "awaken" me safely.
My wife spoke to me repeatedly but I just lay there; she jostled me but I just lay there; She called our son and he shook me but I just lay there; They called 911 and the paramedics first checked my Medical alert ID bracelet, then spoke and jostled me, but I just lay there; they wrapped me in a sheet but I just lay there. Then, they tried to put an IV in me. As they stuck me, my wife said I flailed my arms, so much that they could not stick, but otherwise no response. The paramedic lifted me, sheet and all, hoisted me like a sack of southern taters to the gurney. In the ambulance they give me a "sugar (glucagon ) shot." I woke up in the emergency room. Scary, it was.
If you have diabetes, prolonged blood sugar extremes can cause you to lose consciousness. This is known as a diabetic coma. Both very high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to a diabetic coma. Left untreated, a diabetic coma is a life-threatening condition. But there's good news. The risk of a diabetic coma is small - and prevention is in your hands. Eating a healthy diet, taking your medication as prescribed and closely monitoring your blood sugar can go a long way toward preventing diabetes complications.
If you would like a great ID Bracelet check out this image link!...
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Diabetic Butterscotch Cookie Recipe
Easy diabetic butterscotch cookie recipe.
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Signs and Symptoms
Warning Signs Diabetes
Signs and symptoms: A diabetic coma doesn't hit for no reason. You'll first encounter symptoms of high blood sugar or low blood sugar.If your blood sugar is too high, you may experience:
If your blood sugar is too low, you may feel:
For More Information see:
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent urination
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Blurred vision (for some)
If your blood sugar is too low, you may feel:
- Hungry
- Irritable
- Confused
- Shaky or nervous
- Tired
- Sweaty
- Blurred vision (for some)
For More Information see:
- Diabetes Symptoms, Causes & Types
- What You Need To Know About Diabetes
- Warning Signs Diabetes - This Lens is about the five major warning signs of diabetes. The good news is that there is life after diabetes! However everyone needs to watch the warning signs of diabetes and keep in touch with your doctor as any of these develop! If...\
- Sign Of High Blood Sugar Similar To Normal Range Blood Sugar Levels - Don't Be Fooled - This lens deals with the five major signs of high blood sugar levels. The problem is that these symptoms could also be related other kinds of maladies. therefore it is imperative that a person gets himself checked for diabetes upon any doubt.
Betty Crocker's Diabetes Cookbook: Everyday Meals, Easy as 1-2-3
Plus Links
Betty Crocker's Diabetes Cookbook: Everyday Meals, Easy as 1-2-3
At last! This special cookbook puts flavor and choice back on the menu for people with diabetes and their families
Betty Crocker, America's most trusted friend in the kitchen, has teamed up with the International Diabetes Center (IDC)--one of the leading medical centers--to create an indispensable source of easy-to-make recipes and up-to-the-minute food and nutrition information for the growing numbers of people who have diabetes, more than 15 million of them.
Here is the first cookbook to include recipes featuring Carbohydrate Choices--the new, simplified approach to meal planning recommended by the American Diabetes Association. For people who find diet exchanges too hard, too limiting or too much work, this new method is a real breakthrough. Each of the book's 140 recipes shows the number of Carbohydrate Choices per serving, so that planning the rest of the meal is easy. From Old-Time Beef and Vegetable Stew to Creamy Vanilla-Caramel Cheesecake, the recipes are made with everyday ingredients, including sugar. No food groups or ingredients are left out, so there's no need for anyone to feel deprived or restricted to a special diet. Food exchanges are also included, making it easy for those who still count calories.
Betty Crocker's Diabetes Cookbook is also packed with expert medical and nutrition tips from Dr. Richard Bergenstal, an endocrinologist and diabetes doctor, and two registered nurses--invaluable for the newly diagnosed as well as for those who have been coping with diabetes for years. Throughout the book, real-life advice from people who have diabetes offers inspiration and great ideas on dealing with this chronic disease. When it comes to eating and living with diabetes, people need guidance and advice they can trust.
The folks at Betty Crocker have done it again: given us mere mortals great, easy recipes my whole family can enjoy. The best thing about this book is that the recipes aren't made from weird food you have to hunt for; they are made from items already in your kitchen. And they are recipes anyone can eat for good health. So, if one member of your family has diabetes, the whole family can eat this food and love it.The recipes are great, especially the desserts. And you thought you couldn't eat dessert with diabetes! The Carbohydrate Choices is a great counting device. I've never seen it in any other cookbook and I find it much easier to use than exchanges. Plus, it's not just a cookbook. There's doctor's advice and management plans inside. This book is very uplifting and practical.
GET THIS BOOK! IT'S THE BEST DIABETES COOKBOOK, hands down.- Betty Crocker's Diabetes Cookbook: Everyday Meals, Easy as 1-2-3 - by Betty Crocker Editors - New: $16.47 24 new & used from $12.15
Other Link Resources
- Amazon.com: Fix-It and Forget-It Diabetic Cookbook: Slow-Cooker Favorites to Include Everyone!: Books: Phyllis Good
- Amazon.com: Fix-It and Forget-It Diabetic Cookbook: Slow-Cooker Favorites to Include Everyone!: Books: Phyllis Good by Phyllis Good
- Amazon.com: The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The): Books: Gretchen Becker,Allison B. Goldfine
- Amazon.com: The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The): Books: Gretchen Becker,Allison B. Goldfine by Gretchen Becker,Allison B. Goldfine
- Diabetes Heart Disease - Diabetes Heart Attack and other Complications of Diabetes
- This study deals with diabetes heart disease. Diabetes is one condition that should be treated as soon as it is detected, even though in its early stages it doesn't impair, and everything may appear to the patient as ok. However, ignoring it is a mistake, because the blood sugar imbalance can cause
Diabetic coma prevention
Diabetic Coma Prevention The best way to prevent a diabetic coma is through day-to-day control of your diabetes. Keep these tips in mind:
·Follow your meal plan. Consistent snacks and meals can help you deal with your blood sugar.
·Keep an eye on your blood sugar level. Frequent blood sugar tests .
·Take your medication as directed.
·Educate your loved ones, friends and co-workers. Teach loved ones and other close contacts how to recognize early signs and symptoms of blood sugar extremes - and how to summon emergency help should you pass out.
·Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace. If you're unconscious, the ID can provide valuable information to your loved ones, co-workers and others - including emergency personnel. (For More Information see my lens on Diabetic Bracelet and Your Need to Purchase Medic Alert Bracelet.
If you don't have a bracelet act now and click here for more information.
Above all, keep your perspective. For most people who have diabetes, the risk of a diabetic coma is small. Take good care of yourself to help prevent diabetes complications.
·Follow your meal plan. Consistent snacks and meals can help you deal with your blood sugar.
·Keep an eye on your blood sugar level. Frequent blood sugar tests .
·Take your medication as directed.
·Educate your loved ones, friends and co-workers. Teach loved ones and other close contacts how to recognize early signs and symptoms of blood sugar extremes - and how to summon emergency help should you pass out.
·Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace. If you're unconscious, the ID can provide valuable information to your loved ones, co-workers and others - including emergency personnel. (For More Information see my lens on Diabetic Bracelet and Your Need to Purchase Medic Alert Bracelet.
If you don't have a bracelet act now and click here for more information.
Above all, keep your perspective. For most people who have diabetes, the risk of a diabetic coma is small. Take good care of yourself to help prevent diabetes complications.
Links Plexo on diabetic coma
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Diabetic Coma: Seek Medical Advice %u2013 Diabetic Coma Treatments
Diabetic Coma: Seek Medical Advice - Diabetic Coma Treatments
A diabetic coma is a medical emergency. If you pass out, you'll need someone to call 911 for help.
When you're unconscious, timely identification is necessary. The emergency medical team will do an exam and will ask those who are with you about your medical record. You'll need various tests as well. Your blood sugar will be considered, and your urine may be tested for ketones. To evaluate how well your kidneys are working, the doctor may measure the amount of nitrogen or creatinine (a breakdown product of creatine, an important part of muscle) in your blood. A hematocrit lab may be done to measure the ratio of cells and fluid in your blood. The doctor may also measure the quantity of potassium in your blood. Left untreated, a diabetic coma can lead to permanent brain damage. In some cases, an untreated diabetic coma can be fatal.
If your blood sugar is too high, you may be given intravenous fluids to restore water to your tissues. You may need potassium, sodium or chlorine supplements to help your cells function correctly. When enough fluid has been replaced, short-acting insulin can help your tissues absorb glucose again. Any underlying infections will be treated as well. If your blood sugar is too low and you're unable to eat, the hormone glucagon can be injected to quickly raise your blood sugar level.
Consciousness typically returns when blood sugar reaches a normal level.
A diabetic coma is a medical emergency. If you pass out, you'll need someone to call 911 for help.
When you're unconscious, timely identification is necessary. The emergency medical team will do an exam and will ask those who are with you about your medical record. You'll need various tests as well. Your blood sugar will be considered, and your urine may be tested for ketones. To evaluate how well your kidneys are working, the doctor may measure the amount of nitrogen or creatinine (a breakdown product of creatine, an important part of muscle) in your blood. A hematocrit lab may be done to measure the ratio of cells and fluid in your blood. The doctor may also measure the quantity of potassium in your blood. Left untreated, a diabetic coma can lead to permanent brain damage. In some cases, an untreated diabetic coma can be fatal.
If your blood sugar is too high, you may be given intravenous fluids to restore water to your tissues. You may need potassium, sodium or chlorine supplements to help your cells function correctly. When enough fluid has been replaced, short-acting insulin can help your tissues absorb glucose again. Any underlying infections will be treated as well. If your blood sugar is too low and you're unable to eat, the hormone glucagon can be injected to quickly raise your blood sugar level.
Consciousness typically returns when blood sugar reaches a normal level.
Valuable resources for the diabetic
Diabetes Guide. A Comprehensive Guide To Beating Diabetes
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Reader Feedback - Your input counts.
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- LindaJM LindaJM May 11, 2009 @ 12:50 am
- I forgot to add... 5* and an Angel blessing for this lens!
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- LindaJM LindaJM May 11, 2009 @ 12:49 am
- Diabetes can be very scary unless you get the balance just right. I'm glad you survived your ordeal. This happened once to a dear friend of mine. He became totally unresponsive and I gave him some orange juice then tested his blood sugar level at only 18. Fortunately he came out of it. I was grateful when a few months later he got a new, better medication that kept him from getting the constant scary low-blood-sugar episodes. Twice he had low blood sugars in the middle of the night and the dog, who wasn't even in his bedroom, started barking in the hallway outside his door. We believe she somehow sensed his condition and intentionally woke him up.
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- mbrownauthor mbrownauthor Dec 3, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
- Excellent, excellent lens!
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- thevascularsurgeon thevascularsurgeon Nov 12, 2008 @ 5:01 am
- Good lense. Another good site on Vascular Surgeon
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- Anghz Anghz Apr 11, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
- I was 11 yrs old when i fainted on to concrete wich hurt alot!MY FRENDZ THOT I WAS DEAD AN MA TEACHER WAS SWEARIN!To mak it worse i was on a skool trip!!
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Reply
- Mar 2, 2008 @ 9:25 am
- May I inform you some Alternative Therapy measures to control Diabetes. You may use a pinch of Cinnamon in your tea/coffee and test your sugar level after 40 days. Do some Yoga exercise for 60 days and try to feel the difference. Get more details from the site: http://tinyurl.com/245jav.
Thanks
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Reply
- Walteriz Walteriz Nov 12, 2007 @ 8:58 am
- I had a coma experience a few years ago. Thank God for my family great paramedics and an ID bracelet.
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- waller5400 waller5400 Sep 14, 2007 @ 6:22 am
- great lens! check out my lens about diabetes vitamins here
Other Diabetes Resource Links
- Many Myths And Facts About Diabetes Info
- 'There are a number of myths about diabetes' treatment. A diabetic should know correct information about diabetes and its treatment' (Nick Mutt)! This is true, not because it isn't available, but because so many suggestions are available. I have even talked to doctors who gave me conflicting opinion...
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Hello! We are the Isbill's, Barbara and Walter. We enjoy working on squidoo lenses together.
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