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General Diabetes Discussion: A really silly question - can a type 2 diabetic go into a coma

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorKimbo
    • CommentTimeOct 19th 2007 edited
     

    I would like to know if Type II diabetics can also go into a coma or is it only people who are insulin dependent?

    I know this may sound silly, but I have no idea how it works.:shamed:

    • CommentAuthorC.W
    • CommentTimeOct 19th 2007
     

    I am told this is rare but possible, it depends on your medications and how well you control things. It is not a silly question and is a concern for many people.

    As a rule I know when my blood sugar is dropping too low as I feel a bit light headed. The trick is to get to know what is normal for you.

    •  
      CommentAuthorBestBuddy
    • CommentTimeOct 19th 2007 edited
     

    Technically possible, but it is far less likely.

    A diabetic coma is normally caused by extremely low blood sugar levels - ie the opposite to the normal diabetes problem of high blood sugar.

    If you inject insulin to lower your blood sugar and then forget to eat, then you can have a 'hypo', and if this is severe enough lapse into a coma.
    I think it maybe technically possible for this to happen with other diabetic medication, but far less likely as the effect of the medication is much smaller than insulin itself (double check with your diabetes team before testing this theory, OK :wink: }

    There is also a risk of a coma caused by extremely high blood sugar levels (over 34 mmol/l or 600 mg/dL) which can cause Ketoacidosis (dangerously high levels of ketones)

    BB

    FWIW, I am a type 2 who injects insulin - I have had one bad hypo when my levels went down to 2.7

    • CommentAuthorDray
    • CommentTimeOct 19th 2007 edited
     

    :shamed: I'm a type 2 on 500 mg Metformin 3 times daily.

    For other reasons, I don't get hungry. I've had a few close calls where I've appeared very drunk or irrational because I've taken my meds as normal, but got so engrossed in my work, I forgot to eat, or thought "I'll have something when I get in....". Idiot mistake.

    My levels ranged from 'LO' (by which my meter means - below 2) and 3. I know better now, but now I keep bottle of Lucozade handy.

    Normally I'm between 5-7 mmol

    I'd agree that it is very rare tho'.

    Don't try that at home folks.

    /edit/ As an afterthought - keep your meter handy. If you're worried or feel unusual, it only takes a min to check.

    • CommentAuthorCaroline W
    • CommentTimeOct 20th 2007
     

    if I take metformin without eating, or without eating enough, I have to be near the loo and have the spare undwear handy. I can't take metformin with breakfast which is my smallest meal, I'm not hungry in the norning. By lunch time I am ready for a 'proper' meal and take it then. I take glicklizade with breakfast.

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