Diabetic shock is a critical condition. It is not possible to remove the adverb. This medical emergency needs immediate attention. Untreated cases can escalate rapidly and lead to diabetic coma.
Hypoglycemia can develop in a short period, even in those who manage their diabetes well. Diabetes patients must know the symptoms and complications. They should also know effective treatments. This is key to staying healthy and avoiding serious problems.
What is diabetic shock?
Diabetic shock, or insulin shock, is a severe drop in blood sugar.
People with mild hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, are usually alert. They can manage their condition on their own. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and a sense of anxiety.
In diabetic shock or severe hypoglycemia, a person may lose consciousness. They may struggle to speak or have double vision. Prompt treatment is crucial. Prolonged low blood sugar can cause seizures or a diabetic coma.
The following illustration shows the impact of diabetic shock on the body.
Why does diabetic shock happen?
Diabetic shock happens when blood sugar levels drop dangerously low. This condition can result from various factors.
- taking too much insulin
- ignoring mild hypoglycemia
- excessive, unusual activity or exercise without adequate changes to carbohydrate intake
- missed meals
- using too much diabetes medication
Who is at risk for diabetic shock?
Diabetic shock can affect anyone managing diabetes.
People with type 1 diabetes usually have low blood sugar twice a week on average.
Studies show that insulin users with type 2 diabetes have a lower risk of hypoglycemia.
Recent research suggests hypoglycemia may be more common in type 2 diabetics than thought.
Risk factors can include:
- changing exercise routines
- eating too little (fasting)
- advanced age
- living with diabetes for a longer time
- taking more insulin than needed
- illness
- excessive alcohol consumption
Symptoms of diabetic shock
Blood sugar levels vary naturally throughout the day. They often rise after meals and fall after exercise or fasting.
For most, these fluctuations cause no harm. But they can challenge those with diabetes.
Early or mild signs of low blood sugar levels may include:
- a headache
- nervousness
- anxiety
- dizziness
- sweating
- shakiness
- irritability
- moodiness
- hunger
If left untreated, hypoglycemia symptoms can worsen and become life-threatening. Severe hypoglycemia, or diabetic shock, may present with various severe symptoms.
- blurry or double vision
- seizures
- convulsions
- drowsiness
- losing consciousness
- slurred speech
- trouble speaking
- confusion
- jerky movements
- clumsiness
Hypoglycemia can also disrupt a person’s sleep due to:
- nightmares
- tiredness or confusion when waking
- excessive sweating during sleep
If you suspect hypoglycemia, treat it right away. It can impair movement and thinking. This raises accident risks, especially while driving or working.
Some individuals may not show the usual signs of hypoglycemia. This is known as hypoglycemia unawareness.
Hypoglycemia unawareness is common in long-term diabetics. It can also occur after many low blood sugar episodes.
Hypoglycemia can quickly cause seizures or unconsciousness. It has no early signs, such as shaking or sweating.
Those with impaired hypoglycemia awareness must track their blood sugar levels. This is to avoid complications.
If someone suspects severe hypoglycemia, they need to call 911 immediately. Anyone witnessing someone with severe symptoms should also seek emergency help without delay.
Causes of diabetic shock
Insulin use is a known cause of hypoglycemia. Some oral diabetes meds, like Amaryl, Glyburide, and Glipizide, can lower blood sugar. They are sulfonylureas and meglitinides.
Causes are like the risk factors and include:
- changing exercise routines
- eating too little (fasting)
- taking more insulin than necessary
- illness
- excessive alcohol consumption
Treatment for diabetic shock.
Diabetics, type 1 or 2, should act on signs of low blood sugar. They can restore their glucose levels to a safe range.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises checking blood glucose levels first.
If blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dl, eat a sugary snack or drink with 15 grams of carbs. Then, recheck after 15 minutes. This approach is called the 15-15 rule.
If blood sugar levels stay low, eat or drink something sugary. Then, repeat the process. After returning to normal levels, regular meals and snacks can be resumed.
For those at risk of diabetic shock, doctors may recommend glucagon. It’s a hormone in a syringe for emergencies. It can restore normal blood glucose levels.
If someone with hypoglycemia loses consciousness, it is crucial to call 911 immediately. They should then be turned on their side, and a glucagon injection should be administered.
The ADA states that the individual should regain consciousness within 15 minutes. If they do not, call for emergency help. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
How to administer glucagon.
To administer a glucagon injection, a person should:
- Unseal the vial of powder.
- Take off the needle cover from the syringe.
- Inject the saline into the vial by inserting the needle and pressing the plunger to mix it with the powder.
- Swirl the vial gently to ensure the powder dissolves in the liquid and the liquid is clear.
- Pull the plunger back to draw the liquid into the syringe.
- Inject into the outer mid-thigh or arm muscle of the person.
- Position the person on their side. This prevents issues with vomiting, a common reaction to an injection.
A glucagon nasal spray can help a friend or family member assist you in an emergency.
Complications from diabetic shock.
Never ignore the warning signs of hypoglycemia. Low blood glucose can impair brain function and cause serious complications.
- loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- death
When managing hypoglycemia, avoid excess glucose. It can spike blood sugar too high.
Prevention of diabetic shock
Making simple lifestyle changes can help prevent hypoglycemia and diabetic shock.
- monitoring their blood sugar levels with great attention
- avoiding skipping meals or snacks
- taking medication as prescribed, on time, and in precise amounts
- keeping a log of any low blood sugar reactions or symptoms
- eating a meal or snack while drinking alcohol
- adjusting medication and calorie intake when increasing physical activity levels
- Using continuous glucose monitors with alarm features for low blood sugar.
- avoiding hypoglycemia, as it may cause unawareness of its warning symptoms.
Individuals can personalize their blood sugar targets to meet their specific needs. Aiming for a higher blood sugar may help those who are unaware of hypoglycemia.
A medical alert bracelet or ID can inform emergency personnel about diabetes. This can help reduce the risk of complications.
A continuous glucose tracker with alerts can help some people. It tracks blood sugar in real time and detects when it’s too low or too high.
The sensor is inserted under the skin, usually on the abdomen. It measures glucose levels and sends the data to a smartphone, tablet, or tracker.
Continuous glucose monitoring systems with medical equipment are available online or at pharmacies. They are sometimes integrated with insulin pumps, like those from Dexcom or Medtronic.
FAQs
What is a diabetic emergency?
A diabetic emergency occurs when blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or too high, as in diabetic ketoacidosis. These situations need urgent medical attention. They can cause seizures or loss of consciousness.
Can diabetic ketoacidosis cause seizures?
Yes, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can lead to seizures in severe cases. This is due to a dangerous blood sugar imbalance, dehydration, or a ketone buildup. So, early intervention is crucial.
Can a diabetic seizure kill you?
A diabetic seizure can be life-threatening if left untreated. Severe hypoglycemia or DKA can cause long-term damage or death. This shows the need for prompt treatment.
What are the signs that a patient with hypoglycemia is most likely to have?
A patient with hypoglycemia will likely have dizziness, shaking, sweating, and confusion. In severe cases, they may have seizures or become unconscious. Recognizing these signs early can prevent a diabetic emergency.
What should I know about the “Death Becomes Her” vial in diabetic care?
In diabetic care, glucagon injections are a lifesaving treatment for severe hypoglycemia. They are often stored in a vial. This emergency treatment can prevent a fatal outcome.
What is a diabetic coma?
A diabetic coma is a critical condition. Extreme blood sugar fluctuations, either too high or too low, cause it. Seek medical help at once. It can prevent serious complications, like brain damage or death. This condition can affect individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing diabetes requires vigilance and proper treatment. It is vital to prevent complications like hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and seizures. Access to emergency care is also key. Recognizing a diabetic emergency is critical. Having the right tools, like glucose monitors or glucagon injections, helps too. Taking proactive steps can lead to much improvements in health outcomes. With the proper knowledge and prep, diabetics can live safer, healthier lives.
