Diabetic coma
A kind of reversible coma that is noticed with patients suffering from diabetes, diabetic coma is a medical emergency. Diabetics who are taking insulin can sometimes lapse into a condition of hypoglycemia where they fall unconscious. It may be preceded by rapid heart beat, sweating and convulsions. This condition is treated immediately with intravenous glucose. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs at a more advanced stage, when the patient is severely dehydrated and in a state of shock. After nearly a couple of days of hyperventilation and shock, diabetic coma might result. Nonketotic coma is a condition where extreme hyperglycemia causes dehydration due to inadequate fluid intake. The patient is given intravenous fluids, potassium, sodium and insulin.
Glucose Tolerance Test
Glucose Tolerance Test or GTT is a laboratory blood test that is done to check the efficiency with which the body is able to metabolize sugar. The Glucose tolerance test is used to detect insulin resistance, diabetes and hypoglycemia. Initially the blood is tested after a fasting period of about 6 hours. Typically this fasting test is done on a person early morning after having refrained from eating or drinking anything after midnight. Then the person is given a certain amount of glucose is administered. The blood is then tested again after 30 minutes and 60 minutes.
Typical results of GTT:
Fasting for about 6 hours: 60 -100 mg/dL. If your readings show 100 - 110 mg/dL, you might be suffering impaired fasting glycaemia or pre-diabetes condition.
1 hour after glucose consumption or after a meal: less than 200 mg/dL
2 hours after glucose consumption or after a meal: less than 140 mg/dL. Between 140 - 200 mg/dL also might be indicative of pre-diabetes.
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Pediatric endocrinologists specialize in child related developmental problems. Pediatric endocrinologists are specialists in physical and sexual growth developments in children and specialize in childhood diabetes and other endocrine gland disorders. The most commonly faced endocrine problems in children are Type I diabetes, growth hormone treatment, intersexes disorders, hypoglycemia and puberty problems.
After completion of medical school and internship and after a three-year pediatric residency, a period of three years is spent to specialize in pediatric endocrinology. Pediatric endocrinologists help in:
- Problems related to early or delayed puberty
- Growth problems such as height related problems
- Thyroid problems
- Intersex problems
- Pituitary, Adrenal gland problems
- Ovarian or testicular problems
Bibliography / Reference
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