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A coma caused through diabetes is relatively rare provided the proper care and monitoring of the the condition is followed. This said, it is important to understand how a diabetic coma can occur, what symptoms to look out for and general guidelines to ensure that it does not happen.

Diabetic comas occur when the blood sugar level is extremely low or extremely high.

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can cause a diabetic to become unconscious or have a seizure if it continues for any length of time. A diabetic could become hypoglycemic if they :

Took too much insulin

Did too much exercise

Skipped a meal

Took excessive alcohol without food

Typical early symptoms of hypoglycemia are

Tiredness

Weakness or shaky on your feet

Palpitations

Disorientated or confused

Hungry

Sweating

Depending on how pronounced the symptoms are would determine the treatment. If the symptoms are relatively mild you can take a blood test and identify that the blood sugar level is low and then take a glucose tablet or something similar. If the symptoms are severe then you should seek medical assistance immediately.

Hypersmolar diabetic syndrome is when the blood sugar level gets extremely high. The level of sugar causes the blood to change consistency and become thicker and syrupy. Excessive sugar in the blood causes the kidneys to try to remove it as a waste product. It does this through excessive urination. This can lead to dehydration which if prolonged can lead to unconsciousness and coma.

Hypersmolar diabetic syndrome is normally caused because the person has not taken their normal insulin dosage or they are eating foodstuffs high in sugar consistently.

Typical symptoms of the syndrome are

Excessive urination

Extreme thirst

If these symptoms are detected early then simply taking the insulin dosage and changing eating habits should bring the problem under control. Drinking lots of water will be necessary but this will not stop the syndrome as it is merely addressing a side-effect of the problem. If the problem isn't detect early then, once again, medical assistance should be sort.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complex complication that occurs when the body is starved of energy. This causes the body to metabolize fat to produce energy. During this process harmful toxins known as ketones are produced by the liver. Ketones cause the blood to become acidic and blood that has a ph level of 6.8 is said to be incompatible with life. Thus as the blood becomes more acidic the person will become more drowsy and eventually become unconscious.

Typically people that forget or miss their insulin injections are prone to develop this problem. Another instance when this occurs is undiagnosed diabetics who are unaware of the condition and therefore do not take insulin.

Common symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include

A 'fruity' breath - a strong and sweet smelling breath.

Lethargy and drowsiness

excessive urination and thirst

nauseous and stomach upsets

diabetic ketoacidosis will cause the sufferer to go into a coma if left untreated. It is important to seek medical help if you think that you have symptoms of this condition.

Most unconsciousness, due to diabetes, can be prevented through diligent administering of your diabetic treatment. This will be discussed with you by your doctor or health professional. As you get used to diabetes it will become second nature to care for it. You will also become more aware of the changes in your body and will be more responsive to act.

One of the long term strategies for treating diabetes is to eat a healthy, well balanced diet. Find out how to create diabetic diet plans at http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com . The site deals with issues related to diabetics including the diabetic food pyramid that simplifies how to choose food for diabetes. Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes from diabetic testing supplies to symptoms of diabetes.