Prevention is better than coma. Patient education on diabetic coma.

It is well recognised that people with diabetes may have comas at times. A coma is not, however, inevitable, and patient education can enable people with diabetes to recognise situations which may cause them to have a coma, and take preventive action.

[Diabetic coma]. / Coma diabeticum.

The diabetic coma presents a metabolic derangement which is initiated by a lack of insulin but is markedly enhanced by intracellular insulin resistance. The most essential points of insulin, fluid and electrolyte substitution are presented in this publication. Intensive care treatment is recommended not only because of the severe metabolic defect but also because of disturbances coming up in the course of treatment.