Diabetic coma is primarily associated with which combination?

Diabetic coma is primarily associated with which combination?

• A. A hypoglycemic episode alone.
• B. Diabetic coma is primarily associated with hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, and dehydration.
• C. High blood pressure without metabolic disturbance.
• D. A transient infection.

Answer: (B)

Diabetic coma describes a severe hyperglycemic emergency caused by not enough insulin, so the body can’t use glucose and ketones build up, leading to metabolic acidosis and dehydration. The best match is the combination of high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), ketone buildup causing ketoacidosis, and dehydration from osmotic diuresis. A hypoglycemic episode can also cause unconsciousness, but that’s a different type of emergency and not what this term traditionally refers to. High blood pressure alone or a transient infection doesn’t define this state.

Diabetic coma describes a severe hyperglycemic emergency caused by not enough insulin, so the body can’t use glucose and ketones build up, leading to metabolic acidosis and dehydration. The best match is the combination of high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), ketone buildup causing ketoacidosis, and dehydration from osmotic diuresis. A hypoglycemic episode can also cause unconsciousness, but that’s a different type of emergency and not what this term traditionally refers to. High blood pressure alone or a transient infection doesn’t define this state.