Anyone with diabetes is at risk of being in a diabetic coma, but the factors below can increase the risk:
- Problems with insulin delivery: If you use an insulin pump, you must routinely monitor your blood sugar levels. If the pump breaks down or the tubing (catheter) is twisted or moves out of position, insulin delivery may stop. Diabetic ketoacidosis can result from a shortage of insulin.
- Skipping meals or insulin: People with diabetes with eating disorders occasionally decide not to take their insulin as prescribed to lose weight. This risky, potentially fatal technique raises the possibility of a diabetic coma.
- Poor diabetes management: Long-term consequences like a diabetic coma are more likely to occur if you don't correctly monitor your blood sugar levels or take your medications as prescribed.
- An illness, trauma, or surgery: Blood sugar levels frequently increase, sometimes noticeably, while you're ill or injured. If you have type 1 diabetes and don't adjust your insulin dosage, this could result in DKA. Your chance of developing diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome may also be increased by medical conditions such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease.
- Alcohol: The impact of alcohol on your blood sugar can be unpredictable. Alcohol's sedative effects may make it more difficult for you to recognize the signs of low blood sugar. This could make you more likely to experience a hypoglycemic diabetic coma.
- Using illegal drugs: You are more likely to have complications connected to diabetic coma and extremely high blood sugar levels if you use illegal drugs like cocaine and ecstasy.