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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Diabetic coma is typically caused by either very high or low blood sugar. This is a medical emergency, but if treated promptly, most people make a full recovery. A diabetic coma can affect a person with diabetes when they have high or low blood sugar levels 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. It can happen to a person with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. One reason is having low levels of blood sugar. Other causes are ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). People with diabetes have a higher risk of these conditions. The severe symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar that can come before a diabetic coma include:vomitingdifficulty breathingconfusionweaknessdizziness Share on Pinterestkuniharu wakabayashi/Getty Images Recovery from a diabetic comaA doctor can reverse a diabetic coma quickly, but the treatment depends on the type. They must do this as quickly as possible to prevent complications. Hypoglycemic diabetic coma: Treatment is with glucose and injected glucagon. Hyperglycemic diabetic coma: The doctor will provide hydration and insulin. The person will start to recover quickly after treatment starts. Most people make a full recovery. However, if they do not receive treatment soon after entering the coma, there may be long-term effects, for example, a risk of irreversible brain damage. Without treatment, the coma can be fatal. Even if a diabetic coma does not occur, the long-term impact of having blood sugar levels that are often too low or too high can be damaging. Causes of a diabetic coma There are three main causes of diabetic coma. Two causes are most often associated with type 1 diabetes, and one is most often associated with type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes A diabetic coma can happen when one of the following is present:very low blood glucose levels, also known as hypoglycemiahigh blood ketone levels, also known as diabetic ketoacidosis Type 2 diabetes A diabetic coma can result from one of the following:very low blood sugarvery high blood glucose levels, also known as HHS Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is when blood glucose levels are too low (under 70 mg/dL). According to the American Diabetes Association, a person with type 1 diabetes will experience symptoms of hypoglycemia twice a week on average. People with type 2 diabetes who use insulin are less likely to experience hypoglycemia, but it can still happen. Hypoglycemia usually only occurs in people who are receiving treatment with insulin, but it can occur with oral medications that increase insulin levels in the body. Factors that can result in low blood sugar levels may include:too much medicationtoo little foodtoo much exercisea combination of these factors Signs of low blood sugar are when a person:feels shaky, sweaty, and tiredis dizzyhas a headache Eating or drinking a source of glucose will bring blood glucose levels back into the healthy range, and the person will feel better almost immediately. If the person does not notice or act on the symptoms and the glucose levels continue to decrease, they will become unconscious. Prolonged unconsciousness due to altered blood sugar levels is called a diabetic coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes that arises when levels of ketones in the blood become too high and the acid level of the blood increases. It can also result in a diabetic coma. The levels of ketones in the blood can become too high if an individual uses fat rather than sugar as an energy source. This occurs in people with type 1 diabetes for various reasons, including not receiving enough insulin or illness. People with diabetic ketoacidosis will also have high glucose levels in their blood since the sugar cannot go from the blood and into the cells. The body tries to reduce the high glucose levels by allowing glucose to leave the body in the urine. However, this also causes the body to lose more water. A person with diabetic ketoacidosis will:feel tired and thirstyneed to urinate more frequently They may also have:an upset stomach with nausea and vomitingflushed and dry skina fruity smell to the breathshortness of breath Treatment is with insulin and fluid or, if necessary, intravenous (IV) fluids. It is a medical emergency that needs prompt attention, as it can lead to a diabetic coma. Without treatment, diabetic ketoacidosis can be life-threatening. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome Diabetic HHS usually affects older people who have poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes. It occurs when blood glucose levels are extremely high. As with diabetic ketoacidosis, a person with HHS will:feel tiredbe very thirstyneed to urinate more frequently A blood test can differentiate between diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar syndrome. A person with hyperosmolar syndrome will have normal blood ketone levels and a normal acid balance. Initial treatment is with an injection of saline solution into the veins. This will rehydrate the person and help to lower blood glucose levels. They may need insulin, however, if glucose levels do not return to usual with rehydration. Without treatment, HHS can result in:a diabetic comablood vessel complications, such as a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots Preventing a diabetic coma Diabetes.co.uk recommend the following to reduce the risk of a diabetic coma:Know what it feels like to have high and low blood glucose.Check your blood glucose levels, especially when you are sick.Limit alcohol consumption and avoid alcohol after strenuous exercise.Test your blood ketone levels if you have type 1 diabetes.After exercising, monitor for signs of low blood sugar, especially at night. Blood sugar monitoring kits are available for purchase online. Takeaway Recognizing the early signs of low or high blood sugar levels and regular monitoring can help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels within the healthy range. It is also important to:eat regular mealstake medications as the doctor recommendsknow the risks and symptoms of diabetes complicationsknow what to do if symptoms begin Informing those you work or live with about your condition and wearing a medical ID bracelet or pendant can help others bring you appropriate help if a coma does occur. Q My doctor has just told me I have type 2 diabetes. How worried should I be about a diabetic coma? A A diabetic coma is unlikely as long as you take your medications as prescribed and monitor your blood glucose levels routinely. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your glucose levels being too high or low. If you notice your glucose level dropping below 60 mg/dL or higher than 300 mg/dL, seek medical attention. Daniel Murrell, MD Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Last medically reviewed on June 26, 2022DiabetesNeurology / Neuroscience 13 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Diabetic coma. (2022).https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/diabetic-coma.htmlDiabetic ketoacidosis. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetic-ketoacidosis.htmlGosmanov, A. R., et al. (2018). Hyperglycemic crises: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279052/Heller, S. R., et al. (2020). Hypoglycemia in patient with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin: It can happen.https://drc.bmj.com/content/8/1/e001194Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). (n.d.).https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/hypoglycemiaLow blood sugar. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/low-blood-sugar.htmlOral medication. (n.d.).https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/oral-medicationMcCrimmon, R. J., & Sherwin, R. S. (2010). Hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279554/Nyenwe. E. A., et al. (2010). Acidosis: The prime determinant of depressed sensorium in diabetic ketoacidosis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2909073/Stoner, G. D. (2017). Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/1201/p729.htmlThe hospital management of hypoglycaemia in adults with diabetes mellitus. (2013).http://www.diabetologists-abcd.org.uk/subsite/JBDS_IP_Hypo_Adults_Revised.pdfThe management of diabetic ketoacidosis in adults. (2013).https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/About%20Us/What%20we%20say/Management-of-DKA-241013.pdfThe management of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) in adults with diabetes. (2012).http://www.diabetologists-abcd.org.uk/jbds/jbds_ip_hhs_adults.pdfFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD — By Kate Bass BSC — Updated on July 21, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageCan type 2 diabetes become type 1 diabetes?Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD Some people think type 2 diabetes may develop into type 1 diabetes. 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