N
Common Ground News

Can Type 2 diabetics go into a coma?

Author

Christopher Snyder

Updated on March 01, 2026

Can Type 2 diabetics go into a coma?

A diabetic coma occurs when a person with diabetes loses consciousness. It can occur in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A diabetic coma occurs when blood sugar levels become either too low or too high. The cells in your body require glucose to function.

Also, what blood sugar level puts you in a coma?

A diabetic coma could happen when your blood sugar gets too high -- 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more -- causing you to become very dehydrated.

Additionally, can you survive a diabetic coma? A diabetic coma can affect a person with diabetes when they have high or low levels of blood sugar or other substances in the body. With prompt treatment, a rapid recovery is possible. However, without early treatment, it can be fatal or result in brain damage.

Subsequently, one may also ask, what happens when you go into a diabetic coma?

If you lapse into a diabetic coma, you're alive — but you can't awaken or respond purposefully to sights, sounds or other types of stimulation. Left untreated, a diabetic coma can be fatal.

How is diabetic coma treated?

Diabetic coma requires emergency medical treatment.

High blood sugar

  1. Intravenous fluids to restore water to your tissues.
  2. Potassium, sodium or phosphate supplements to help your cells function correctly.
  3. Insulin to help your tissues absorb the glucose in your blood.
  4. Treatment for any underlying infections.

What is the lowest blood sugar level before coma?

If you have a low blood sugar (less than 70 mg/dL) that has not come up after three treatments, call your healthcare provider or 911. If you see a person with diabetes who appears confused, they may be having a low blood sugar episode. Left untreated, the low blood sugar could lead to a diabetic coma.

At what sugar level should I go to the hospital?

According to the University of Michigan, blood sugar levels of 300 mg/dL or more can be dangerous. They recommend calling a doctor if you have two readings in a row of 300 or more.

What happens when blood sugar is 1000?

Very high blood sugar levels (for example, 1000 or more mg/dL) can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, which can lead to loss of consciousness and possible death. The treatment for excessively high blood sugar involves IV fluids and insulin.

Is 700 high for blood sugar?

If your blood sugar level tops 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 33.3 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), the condition is called diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome. Severely high blood sugar turns your blood thick and syrupy.

What should I eat if my sugar is high?

Here are seven foods that Powers says can help keep your blood sugar in check and make you happy and healthy to boot.
  • Raw, Cooked, or Roasted Vegetables. These add color, flavor, and texture to a meal.
  • Greens.
  • Flavorful, Low-calorie Drinks.
  • Melon or Berries.
  • Whole-grain, Higher-fiber Foods.
  • A Little Fat.
  • Protein.

What are the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis?

You have many signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis — excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, and confusion.

How long does a diabetic coma last?

Diabetic ketoacidosis, if it progresses and worsens without treatment, can eventually cause unconsciousness, from a combination of a very high blood sugar level, dehydration and shock, and exhaustion. Coma only occurs at an advanced stage, usually after 36 hours or more of worsening vomiting and hyperventilation.

Is dying from a diabetic coma painful?

Symptoms include sunken eyes, rapid breathing, headache, muscle aches, severe dehydration, weak peripheral pulses, nausea, stomach pain and cramping, vomiting, semi or unconsciousness, cerebral edema, coma and death. DKA is a horrendously painful way to die.

When does a diabetic coma occur?

Diabetic comas happen when you don't take steps to fix blood sugar that's too high or too low. While your levels drop when you don't eat for a while or get too much insulin, they might go up if you miss a dose of insulin or other diabetes medication, don't follow your diet plan, or exercise less than usual.

Which fruits should diabetics avoid?

Fruit is also an important source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, fruit can also be high in sugar. People with diabetes must keep a watchful eye on their sugar intake to avoid blood sugar spikes.

Fruits high in sugar

  • watermelons.
  • dried dates.
  • pineapples.
  • overly ripe bananas.

What is a diabetic shock?

Severe hypoglycemia, or insulin shock, is a serious health risk for anyone with diabetes. Also called insulin reaction, bcause of too much insulin, it can occur anytime there is an imbalance between the insulin in your system, the amount of food you eat, or your level of physical activity.

What is normal blood sugar by age?

Normal blood glucose levels for adults, without diabetes, is 90 to 110 mg/dL. Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar here.

Normal blood sugar levels for adolescents.

Normal blood sugar levels for adolescents
Age 6-12mg/dL
Fasting80-180
Before meal90-180
1-2 hours after eatingUp to 140

How long can you stay in a coma?

Comas can last from days to weeks while some severe cases have lasted several years. Recovery depends, to a considerable extent, on the original cause of the coma and on the severity of any brain damage.

What drink lowers blood sugar?

Pomegranate juice is said to help lower blood sugar levels within 15 minutes of drinking it. A study examined the effects one drink of the juice could have on a diabetic and found it changed the levels of their blood sugar - in a good way.

What are the chances of surviving a coma?

It can be seen that the likelihood of a good recovery in all patients is only 10%. It is less than 5% in those who have suffered subarachnoid haemorrhage or stroke, about 10% in those with hypoxic–ischaemic injury, but as high as 25% in those metabolic or infective causes of coma.

Can blood sugars rise without eating?

Skipping breakfast—going without that morning meal can increase blood sugar after both lunch and dinner.

What is the first aid treatment for diabetic coma?

First aid for someone who has lapsed into a diabetic coma includes: Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. Don't try to give them anything to eat or drink, as they may choke. Turn them onto their side to prevent obstruction to breathing.

Should diabetics eat bananas?

Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized diet plan. A person with diabetes should include fresh, plant food options in the diet, such as fruits and vegetables. Bananas provide plenty of nutrition without adding many calories.

What is the symptoms of high blood sugar for a man?

What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
  • More thirst.
  • More hunger (especially after eating)
  • Dry mouth.
  • Nausea and occasional vomiting.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
  • Blurred vision.
  • Numbness or tingling of the hands or feet.

What does high blood sugar feel like?

The main symptoms of hyperglycemia are increased thirst and a frequent need to urinate. Other symptoms that can occur with high blood sugar are: Headaches. Tiredness.

What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

However, those afflicted with either type may experience these common occurrences:
  • Frequent urination.
  • Unquenchable thirst.
  • Insatiable.
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Numbness in extremities.
  • Darkening skin.
  • Yeast infections.