Diabetic coma

A severe emergency in which a person is not conscious because the blood glucose (sugar) is too low or too high. If the glucose level is too low, the person has hypoglycaemia; if the level is too high, the person has hyperglycaemia and may develop ketoacidosis. See also: hyperglycaemia; hypoglycaemia; diabetic ketoacidosis.

Definitioner

Hypoglycaemia

Also known as low blood sugar. It occurs when blood glucose levels drop to below 4 mmol/l. This can happen if a person with diabetes has taken too much insulin or has exercised more than usual. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, sudden hunger, cold or clammy skin, fuzzy vision, confusion, mood changes, and tingling or numbness in the hands, arms, tongue, or lips. Hypoglycaemia can occur even while using an insulin pump and, if left untreated, can lead to unconsciousness and diabetic coma. Pre-Diabetes – blood glucose (sugar) levels higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. People with pre-diabetes may or may not develop diabetes. Other names for pre-diabetes are impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, borderline, subclinical, chemical, or latent diabetes.

Hyperglycaemia

Also known as high blood sugar. It occurs when blood glucose levels rise above 10 mmol/l, and the body does not have enough or cannot use insulin to process food. Symptoms of hyperglycaemia include nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint aches, blurred vision, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. Over time, weight loss can result. Hyperglycaemia can occur even while using an insulin pump, and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if untreated.

Glucose

A carbohydrate and is the body's most important source of energy. It is produced from digested food, by the normal action of the liver, and is carried by the blood throughout the body.

Blood glucose

The main sugar that the body makes from the three elements of food-proteins, fats, and carbohydrates-but mostly from carbohydrates. Glucose is the major source of energy for living cells and is carried to each cell through the bloodstream. However, the cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.

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