Diabetic shock is an emergency condition. When a person's blood sugar level drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), then that condition is called diabetic shock.

Diabetes is a disease that is affecting millions of people around the world. The number of diabetes patients is increasing rapidly in India too. According to the WHO report of 2024, about 7.7 crore people in India are living with diabetes. The most dangerous condition for diabetes patients is diabetic shock. It is called severe hypoglycemia in medical terms. Let us tell you five symptoms of diabetic shock and how to avoid it.

What is diabetic shock?

Diabetic shock is an emergency condition. When a person's blood sugar level drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), then that condition is called diabetic shock. This problem occurs in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who use insulin or other medicines to control blood sugar. 

When does diabetic shock occur?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diabetic shock occurs when blood sugar levels drop rapidly due to high doses of insulin, lack of food or excessive physical activity. If the patient does not receive timely treatment, he may suffer from unconsciousness and seizures. In severe cases, the patient may also go into a diabetic coma.

Five symptoms of diabetic shock

Rapid sweating and shivering: The first and most common symptom of diabetic shock is sudden excessive sweating and shivering of the body. At the same time, sudden hunger and feeling of restlessness are also symptoms of diabetic shock. This happens when the body does not get enough glucose for energy. This symptom often appears in the early stages of hypoglycemia.

Dizziness and confusion: When the blood sugar level drops, the patient may experience dizziness, headache and confusion. This has a direct effect on the brain, because glucose is the main source of energy for the brain. During this time, some people may behave like a drunk person.

Difficulty speaking and blurred vision: In severe hypoglycemia, the patient may start having difficulty speaking, blurred vision or double vision. This symptom appears when the sugar level drops significantly. In such a case, immediate treatment is required.

Fainting or seizure: The most serious symptom of diabetic shock is unconsciousness, seizure or coma. In fact, such a condition occurs when the blood sugar level becomes so low that the brain and other parts of the body do not get proper energy to work. 

How to save life from diabetic shock?

According to the American Diabetes Association, if the patient is conscious, he should be immediately given 15-20 grams of fast absorbing sugar. The best option is 3-4 glucose tablets. Apart from this, half a cup of juice of fruits like orange, one tablespoon of honey or sugar, 5-6 hard candies can be given. After this, wait for 15 minutes and check the blood sugar. If the sugar level is less than 70 mg/dL, then repeat this process. This is called the '15-15 rule'. 

What to do if the patient is unconscious?

If the patient is unconscious or is unable to take sugar intake orally, then glucagon can be used. Glucagon is a hormone that rapidly increases the blood sugar level. It can be given in the form of injection or nasal spray. If the patient's condition does not improve or he becomes unconscious, then one should call the emergency number and go to the hospital.