How long can someone survive untreated in a diabetic (hypoglycemic) coma?!
Question: It sounds really terrible, and trust me, I'm not planning on trying it. I'm writing a novel, and one of the characters is a Type-1, juvenile-onset diabetic. He misses a meal and so his blood sugar levels tank... He gets disoriented, and lost... so how long can he survive before the heroine saves the day?
Answers: It sounds really terrible, and trust me, I'm not planning on trying it. I'm writing a novel, and one of the characters is a Type-1, juvenile-onset diabetic. He misses a meal and so his blood sugar levels tank... He gets disoriented, and lost... so how long can he survive before the heroine saves the day?
Of all the organs in the body, the brain depends on sugar (also refered to as glucose) almost exclusively. Rarely, if absolutely necessary, the brain will use ketones as a fuel source, but this is not preferred. The brain cannot make its own glucose and is 100% dependent on the rest of the body for its supply. If for some reason, the glucose level in the blood falls (or if the brain's requirements increase and demands are not met) there can be effects on the function of the brain. When the circulating level of blood glucose falls, the brain actually senses the drop. The brain then sends out messages that trigger a series of events, including changes in hormone and nervous system responses that are aimed at increasing blood glucose levels. Insulin secretion decreases and hormones that promote higher blood glucose levels, such as glucagon, cortisol, growth hormone and epinephrine, all increase. As mentioned above, there is a store in the liver of glycogen that can be converted to glucose rapidly. In addition to the biochemical processes that occur, the body starts to consciously alert the affected person that is needs food by causing the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia discussed below. The body's biochemical response to hypoglycemia usually starts when sugars are in the high/mid 60's. At this point, the liver releases its stores and the hormones mentioned above start to activate. In many patients, this process occurs without any clinical symptoms.
While there is some degree of variability among people, most will usually develop symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia when blood glucose levels are lowered to the mid 50's. The first set of symptoms are called neuro-genic (or sympathetic) because they relate to the nervous system's response to hypoglycemia. Patients may experience nervousness, sweating, intense hunger, trembling, weakness,
palpitations, and often have trouble speaking. In most patients, these symptoms are easily recognizable. The vast majority of patients with diabetes only experience this degree of hypoglycemia if they are on medications or insulin. Patients (diabetic or with insulin resistance) with high circulating levels of insulin who fast or lower their carbohydrate intake drastically should also be cautioned. These patients may also experience modest hypoglycemia.
Anyone who has experienced an episode of hypoglycemia describes a sense of urgency to eat and resolve the symptoms. And, that's exactly the point of these symptoms. They act as warning signs. At this level, the brain still can access circulating blood glucose for fuel. The symptoms provide a person the opportunity to raise blood glucose levels before the brain is affected. If a person does not or cannot respond by eating something to raise blood glucose, the levels of glucose continue to drop. Somewhere in the 45 mg/dl range, most patients progress to neuro-glyco-penic ranges (the brain is not getting enough glucose). At this point, symptoms progress to confusion, drowsiness, changes in behavior, coma and seizure. Without medical treatment, Death can follow in a matter of hours or days depending on the individuals response and overall health condition.
For example Bet Michels was in a Diabetic coma for an entire month.
Luther Vandross was in coma 2 months and shortly after got off the coma died.
? the heroine will take this young man into heaven and that is where he will remain.