DESCRIPTION
Diabetics may present with a decreased level of consciousness owing to:
- hyperglycaemia diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state(HHS), or
- hypoglycaemia.
DIAGNOSIS
Check blood glucose concentration and test urine for ketones, immediately.
| Hyperglycaemia | Hyperglycaemia | Hypoglycaemia | |
| DKA | HHS | ||
| Blood glucose | ≥ 11.1 mmol/L | Usually > 40 mmol/L | < 4 mmol/L |
| Urine test for ketones | Usually positive and > 1+ | Usually negative | Usually negative |
If a diagnosis cannot be made, treat as hypoglycaemia and refer urgently.
Low blood glucose presents the most immediate danger to life.