Can a diabetes-related coma be prevented?

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Can a diabetes-related coma be prevented?

You can help yourself prevent a diabetes-related coma by taking steps to keep your blood sugar in the target ranges. Meeting with a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is an important part of understanding how to care for your diabetes. The CDE will help you be aware of symptoms for high and low blood sugar levels and how best to manage your condition.

It's also important for your family, friends and coworkers to understand how to help you if you need help. Let them know about the symptoms of high and low blood sugar.

In terms of food and drink, here are some tips for preventing diabetes-related coma:

  • Learn about foods that affect your blood sugar and the best meal plan for you.
  • Don’t skip meals.
  • Keep treatment for a low blood sugar with you at all times (example: four glucose tabs, a small juice box, or five Life Savers®).
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
  • Ask your healthcare provider to prescribe a glucagon kit and teach a support person how to use it in case you ever have severe low blood sugar.

These are other recommendations to help you manage your blood glucose levels:

  • Check and record blood sugar levels at the times recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Follow instructions for proper dosage and timing of medications and insulin.
  • Learn how different types of exercise affect your blood sugar.
  • Check your urine for ketones when blood sugar levels are high.
  • Ask your healthcare provider when and how you should test for ketones.
  • Check urine ketones when you have symptoms of diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA).
  • Consider using a continuous glucose monitor that sends an alert if sugar levels are too low or too high.
  • Learn how to manage stress.
  • Wear a medical identification necklace or bracelet to alert first responders that you have diabetes.

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