Final answer:
A diabetic coma is typically the result of severe ketoacidosis where high blood sugar leads to the overproduction of ketone bodies, increasing blood acidity. Symptoms can include rapid breathing and fruity breath, and without treatment, it can be fatal. Long-term management of diabetes through insulin administration is crucial to prevent such serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
A diabetic coma occurs with very severe ketoacidosis, in which a patient has too much sugar in the blood. When the body cannot properly use glucose due to impaired insulin function, this leads to diabetes mellitus and high levels of blood glucose, or hyperglycemia. Ketoacidosis is a dangerous state that results from the overproduction of ketone bodies due to the breakdown of fatty acids for energy when glucose isn't adequately available. The brain and other tissues are deprived of their main fuel source, glucose, causing a hazardous increase in the blood's acidity. Recognizable symptoms of ketoacidosis include deep, rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath due to exhaled acetone, dry skin and mouth, flushed face, as well as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Without prompt intervention, these can progress to a diabetic coma. Treatment and prevention of such an emergency involve proper and regular administration of insulin, and in immediate cases, ingestion or injection of sugar Long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes include heart attacks, strokes, blindness, and kidney failure. These arise from damage to the small blood vessels and are exacerbated by chronically elevated blood glucose levels, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring and control of diabetes.
A diabetic coma occurs with very severe hyperglycemia, in which a patient has too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. Hyperglycemia can result from uncontrolled diabetes, where the body's insulin is insufficient to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. In a diabetic coma, the excessive blood sugar levels can lead to altered consciousness, dehydration, and other serious complications. It is a medical emergency, and immediate medical attention is required for proper diagnosis and treatment.