Diabetes is a metabolic disease that has gripped millions of people around the world today. India is also not untouched by this, where the number of diabetic patients is increasing rapidly every day. The 2024 report of the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that about 7.7 crore people in India are living with diabetes. The most frightening condition for these patients is considered to be diabetic shock, which is called severe hypoglycemia in medical language. Let us know in detail its symptoms, causes, and prevention measures.

What is diabetic shock?

Diabetic shock is a medical emergency. When a person's blood sugar level suddenly drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), that condition is called diabetic shock. This problem is mainly found in patients suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes who take insulin or other blood sugar-lowering drugs.

When and why does diabetic shock occur?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diabetic shock occurs when the body's sugar level drops very rapidly due to excessive intake of insulin, not eating regular meals or excessive physical activity. In this situation, if medical help is not received on time, the patient may also face unconsciousness, seizures, or diabetic coma.

Five major symptoms of diabetic shock

- Sudden sweating and tremors: When the sugar level drops, the person starts sweating profusely and tremors due to lack of energy in the body. Hunger and restlessness can also be early signs.

- Dizziness and mental confusion: Glucose is the main source of energy for the brain, and when it is lacking, the person starts feeling symptoms like dizziness, headache, and mental confusion. In some cases, the patient's behavior may be like drinking alcohol.

- Speech disturbance and blurred vision: When sugar drops too low, the patient may complain of difficulty in speaking, or blurred or double vision. These signs point to a serious condition.

- Fainting and seizures: This is the most serious symptom of diabetic shock. When the body does not get enough glucose, the functioning of the brain and organs starts to stop, due to which the person may faint or have seizures.

- Complete energy drop and body numbness: Sometimes the body feels completely tired, limbs may become numb and the person stops responding—which shows the severity of this condition.

Measures to prevent 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—such as 3-4 glucose tablets, half a cup of orange juice, a tablespoon of honey or 5-6 hard candies. Then wait for 15 minutes and check the blood sugar. If it is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the process. This is called the “15-15 rule.”

What to do if the patient faints?

If the patient is unable to take sugar by mouth or is unconscious, glucagon injection or nasal spray can be used. Glucagon is a hormone that helps in increasing blood sugar immediately. If the patient's condition does not improve even after this, immediately call an ambulance or take him to the nearest hospital.

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