Individuals with diabetes can experience seizures. These events are linked to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, either too low or too high. While not all individuals with diabetes will experience seizures, it is a recognized potential complication. Recognizing the signs and causes can help in managing this risk effectively.
Blood Sugar Extremes and Seizures
Low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, is a common cause of seizures in people with diabetes. The brain needs a steady supply of glucose. When blood sugar drops severely, the brain is deprived of this energy. This deprivation can impair brain function, leading to neurological symptoms, including seizures. Hypoglycemia can occur from too much insulin or other glucose-lowering medication, missing meals, or excessive physical activity without adjusting carbohydrate intake.
Conversely, high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can also provoke seizures, though this is less common than with hypoglycemia. Elevated glucose levels can increase the excitability of neurons in the brain, disrupting normal signaling and potentially triggering seizure activity. This occurs in prolonged, uncontrolled states where the body struggles to process excess sugar, leading to chemical changes affecting nerve cell interaction.
Metabolic Crises and Seizures
Beyond direct blood sugar fluctuations, specific diabetes-related metabolic emergencies can lead to seizures. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe condition, primarily affecting individuals with type 1 diabetes, due to a lack of insulin. This deficiency causes the body to break down fat for energy, producing acidic substances called ketones that build up in the bloodstream. The resulting acidosis and electrolyte imbalances can disrupt brain function and increase the risk of seizures.
Another serious metabolic crisis is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS), often seen in individuals with type 2 diabetes. HHS involves very high blood sugar levels without significant ketone production, leading to severe dehydration and concentrated blood. The severe dehydration and increased blood osmolality can profoundly affect brain function, making seizures a possible complication.
Responding to a Seizure
If someone with diabetes experiences a seizure, safety is the immediate priority. Gently ease the person to the ground and remove any nearby objects that could cause injury. Placing something soft and flat, like a jacket, under their head can offer protection. Loosen any tight clothing around their neck to ensure clear breathing.
Time the seizure. Call 911 immediately if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if the person has never had a seizure before, or if they have difficulty breathing or do not regain consciousness afterward. After the seizure stops, gently roll the person onto their side to help them breathe and prevent choking. Stay with them until fully alert and check for a medical identification bracelet or necklace, which provides vital information.
Minimizing Seizure Risk
Proactive management of diabetes can reduce the risk of seizures. Consistent blood sugar monitoring and adherence to prescribed medication or insulin regimens are important for stable glucose levels. Understanding the early signs of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia allows for prompt intervention before levels become dangerously extreme.
Eating regular, balanced meals and staying hydrated are important preventive measures. Skipping meals, especially when on medication, can lead to low blood sugar, while dehydration can worsen conditions like HHS. Regular communication with a healthcare provider is important to review and adjust treatment plans, addressing concerns about blood sugar control or seizure risk. Carrying a medical ID, such as a bracelet or necklace, is recommended as it alerts emergency responders to the individual’s diabetic status, ensuring appropriate and timely care.