Diabetic Shock: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people, and diabetic shock is a severe complication that can arise. It can occur quickly and is life-threatening, so it is important for people to understand it. In this article, we will explore the details of diabetic shock and how the CGMs( Continuous Glucose Monitoring) system like Freestyle Libre 3 can improve outcomes for those with diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetic Shock

Diabetic shock is a medical emergency that occurs when blood sugar levels drop dramatically. It is characterized by a rapid onset of physical symptoms that can range from mild to severe. The following are some of the common symptoms of diabetic shock:

• Confusion: People with diabetic shock may experience confusion, disorientation, or difficulty thinking clearly.
• Dizziness: A sudden drop in blood sugar levels can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Sweating: Diabetic shock can cause excessive sweating, even if the person is not physically exerting themselves.
• Rapid heartbeat: A sudden drop in blood sugar levels can cause the heart to beat faster than normal.
• Hunger: People with diabetic shock may experience intense feelings of hunger.
• Blurred vision: Blood sugar levels that drop too low can cause blurry vision or temporary vision loss.
• Weakness: Diabetic shock can cause a person to feel weak or fatigued.
• Numbness or tingling sensations: A sudden drop in blood sugar levels can cause numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities.
• Seizures: In severe cases, diabetic shock can cause seizures.
• Loss of consciousness: If diabetic shock is not treated promptly, it can lead to loss of consciousness.

NOTE: If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to take action immediately. If you are unable to do so, seek medical help immediately.

Causes of Diabetic Shock

Diabetic shock is caused by a rapid drop in blood sugar levels. Some of the most common causes of diabetic shock include:

• Skipping a meal: People with diabetes who skip a meal or forget to eat can experience a sudden drop in blood sugar levels.
• Taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications: Taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
• Increased physical activity without adjusting insulin dose: Physical activity can lower blood sugar levels, so it is important for people with diabetes to adjust their insulin dose accordingly.
• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption can lower blood sugar levels, so it is important for people with diabetes to limit alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether.
• Illness or infection: Illness or infection can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, leading to diabetic shock.

Preventions from getting a Diabetic Shock

To prevent diabetic shock, regularly monitor blood sugar levels, stick to a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and take medications as prescribed. Avoid skipping meals and monitor for symptoms like excessive thirst, fatigue, and blurred vision. Keep quick-acting glucose and medical identification with you at all times. Maintain regular appointments with a doctor to manage diabetes and adjust treatment plan as needed. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and drugs, which can affect blood sugar levels. In case of low blood sugar, consume a fast-acting sugar source and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

• Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels: Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly through a continuous glucose monitoring system is an essential part of diabetes management. This allows people with diabetes to see how their levels change throughout the day and make adjustments as needed.
• Eating regular, balanced meals: Eating regular, balanced meals at the same time each day helps to regulate body’s glucose levels. Appropriate portion sizes that contain a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Nutritious snacks between meals can help to prevent drops in blood sugar levels. Good snack options include a small serving of fruit, a handful of nuts, or a hard-boiled egg.
• Staying active and engaging in physical activity: Staying active and engaging in physical activity is important for people with diabetes. It helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent diabetic shock.
• Taking diabetes medications as prescribed: Diabetes medications help to regulate glucose levels by increasing insulin production or improving insulin sensitivity. Taking the medications as prescribed ensures that the body has the right amount of insulin to regulate glucose levels effectively. Some diabetes medications, such as metformin, help to prevent high blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetic shock.

Benefits of the Continuous Glucose Monitoring system (CGMs) :

• Continuous monitoring system: It provides continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels. Allowing people to see fluctuations in real-time and make decisions about food and activity.
• Painless and discreet: CGM eliminates the need for frequent fingerstick tests, which can be painful and time-consuming.
• Alarms and alerts: CGM devices often have an alarm that can alert users. If their glucose levels are too high or low, which can help prevent hypoglycemic events and other emergencies.
• Improved glycemic control: CGM can help people with diabetes achieve better glycemic control and prevent long-term complications associated with high or low glucose levels.

One of the best CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitoring system):

The FreeStyle Libre 3 system is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that helps people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

It works by constantly measuring the glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, which is the fluid between the cells, and provides real-time readings.

Here’s how it works:

1. Device: The FreeStyle Libre 3 device is a small, discreet sensor that is attached to the back of the upper arm using a simple, pain-free application process. It can stay on for up to 14 days and can be worn while showering, swimming, and exercising.
2. Measuring glucose levels: The device uses a tiny filament that painlessly punctures the skin to measure the glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. Then device sends the data wirelessly to a small reader that can be carried in a pocket or on a keychain.
3. Real-time readings: The reader provides real-time glucose readings every minute, which can be viewed on the device’s screen or via the Libre app on a smartphone. The device also has an alarm that can alert users if their glucose levels are too high or low.
4. Trend graphs: The app provides detailed trend graphs that show how the glucose levels are changing over time. This information can help users identify patterns and make informed decisions about insulin doses, food choices, and physical activity.
5. Data sharing: The FreeStyle Libre app allows users to share their glucose data with healthcare providers, family members, and friends, which can be especially helpful for those who need support managing their diabetes.
6. Easy to use: The Libre 3 system is simple to use and does not require frequent fingerstick tests, which can be painful and time-consuming.

Conclusion:

Diabetic shock is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when blood sugar levels drop too low. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention is crucial for people living with diabetes to effectively manage their condition and avoid dangerous complications.

The Libre 3 improve outcomes by providing continuous monitoring, painless and discreet measurement, alarms and alerts, and improved accuracy. If you are living with diabetes, consider incorporating the Freestyle Libre 3 into your management plan for your health and wellness.