There are several myths in relation to the diabetic coma.Popular beliefs about this dangerous complication can make you think that only people who have high blood sugar levels can be at risk.This is not true.Accompany us and learn more about diabetic coma and identify alert situations to act properly.
To understand the diabetic coma, the first thing you have to know is what is a comma?Coma is a condition that can lead to states of unconsciousness and can even cause death.Next we will present some of the myths that are around the diabetic coma.
myth 1: Diabetic coma only affects patients with blood high sugar levels
False.What is often unknown is that a state of coma can also affect hypoglycemic, that is, those who have a blood sugar level under the blood under the tumors of the pancreas that produce insulin or insufficiency of the adrenal glands, among others.The latter are not diabetic.
myth 2: Diabetic coma is not as serious as they paint it
False. A diabetic coma is a very dangerous complication;It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.Why is it so important to act quickly?Basically because this complication causes unconsciousness.People in diabetic coma can hardly react to visual or auditory stimuli.But not only this is important.Diabetic coma can be deadly.Frequently if you know the alert signals you can prevent and control a possible diabetic coma situation.
myth 3: a diabetic coma is imminent;There is no symptoms that allow actions to be taken on time.
False. There is a wide variety of symptoms that can help you take the necessary actions to know how to prevent diabetic coma.The symptoms are not the same for diabetics with hyperglycemia (high sugar) as for those who have hypoglycemia (low sugar).When sugar rises, thirst can increase, as well as the frequency to urinate, which can cause dehydration.In these cases the person can also feel nausea, vomiting, tiredness, stomach pain and breath with fruits smell.
On the other hand, when there is a significant decrease in sugar levels, hypoglycemic tend to feel nervous, tired, irritable, hostile and even aggressive.Also, they can notice tremor, sweating and changes in the rhythm of heartbeat.Many patients say they feel a lot of hunger.In advanced stages both hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic can develop confusion and/or seizures.
myth 4: The lack of sugar control due to a bad diet is the only risk factor that can lead to a hyperglycemic diabetic coma.
False. The diabetic coma may be due to several causes.An ulcer that bleeds, some medicines such as diuretics that make liquid, steroid use, are other causes that can precipitate a diabetic coma.You must also be attentive to situations such as having had some kind of infection, insufficiency (failure) of the kidneys, and even even a cardiac infarction.
myth 5: Diabetic coma is not related to alcohol consumption, only to sugar consumption
False. There are two important factors that must be considered mainly in the case of hypoglycemic coma.While it is true, for the hypoglycemic that the comma can be caused by excess insulin or lack of food, situations such as alcohol consumption, and even exerciseThey can produce the same results.
myth 6: Only type 1 diabetics are susceptible to a diabetic coma
False. All patients with any type of diabetes (type 1 or 2) or with hypoglycemia are susceptible to a diabetic coma.However, those with type 1 diabetes are at a greater risk of suffering a diabetic coma especially if caused by ketoacidosis.
myth 7: A diabetic coma cannot be prevented
False. The ideal is to prevent diabetic coma.You can find alternatives that help you control the development of a diabetic coma, in most cases.Check your blood sugar levels regularly.When you feel bad you must be even more careful.Check your blood sugar levels regularly according to the indications your doctor gives you.A diabetic coma can also be prevented with the appropriate diet, eating in the right schedules, and taking the medications and/or applying insulin, if necessary.Learning to control and manage stress also helps significantly.
Now that you know that many of the myths that are around the diabetic coma are false, we invite you to be very attentive to your sugar levels, bring a healthy diet and follow your doctor's instructions.If you have symptoms, do not think twice, seek help as soon as possible.Since if you are diabetic or you suffer from hypoglycemia you can be at risk.Prepare and prepare people who live with you to know how to react taking the hospital immediately.