What causes sudden fainting in diabetic patients, and what should be done?

Nov 05, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

Diabetic ketoacidosis commonly occurs when there is severe insulin deficiency, potentially affecting cardiovascular and neurological function, which may lead to sudden fainting in diabetic patients, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Emergency hospitalization is recommended, and treatment should be administered under medical supervision using medications such as potassium chloride injection, sodium bicarbonate injection, and sodium chloride injection.

Under normal circumstances, sudden fainting in diabetic patients may be caused by factors such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, arrhythmia, cerebral thrombosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive targeted treatment after the specific cause is identified. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Hypoglycemia

When diabetic patients use hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, an excessive dose or insufficient food intake may lead to hypoglycemia, resulting in inadequate energy supply to the brain, causing transient cerebral ischemia and subsequent sudden fainting. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as sweating and palpitations. It is recommended to immediately provide the patient with sugar supplementation, such as drinking sugary water, eating candies, or sugar-containing biscuits.

2. Hyperglycemia

In diabetic patients with hyperglycemia, excess glucose in the blood can interfere with normal nerve signal transmission, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which may result in sudden fainting. Symptoms may also include thirst and frequent urination. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as acarbose tablets, miglitol tablets, or voglibose dispersible tablets for treatment.

3. Arrhythmia

Due to prolonged high blood glucose levels, diabetic patients are prone to cardiovascular damage, which may trigger arrhythmia. This can lead to insufficient cerebral blood supply or interrupted blood flow, causing sudden fainting. Symptoms often include palpitations and shortness of breath. Treatment under a doctor's supervision with medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, simvastatin capsules, or metoprolol succinate sustained-release tablets is recommended.

4. Cerebral Thrombosis

Long-term hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic patients can easily lead to arteriosclerosis and cerebral thrombosis. When cerebral blood vessels become blocked or rupture, brain tissue may suffer from ischemia and hypoxia, resulting in sudden fainting, vomiting, or impaired consciousness. It is recommended to treat under medical guidance using medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, enteric-coated aspirin capsules, or recombinant human prourokinase for injection.

5. Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis typically occurs during severe insulin deficiency and may impair cardiovascular and nervous system functions, potentially causing sudden fainting in diabetic patients, along with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Emergency hospitalization is advised, and treatment should be administered under medical supervision with intravenous solutions such as potassium chloride injection, sodium bicarbonate injection, and sodium chloride injection.

In daily diet, spicy and raw-cold foods should be avoided to prevent physical discomfort.

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In general, the main causes of having excessive fluid in the bladder include drinking too much water, holding urine for prolonged periods, benign prostatic hyperplasia, neurogenic bladder, and urethral stricture. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, one should develop habits of regular water intake and timely urination, avoid prolonged sitting, and engage in appropriate physical activity.