Case Study – Linking Diabetic Symptoms to Altered Consciousness
Diabetes and Altered Mental Status
Patient’s diabetic status inquiry following screening of their consciousness level and vital signs is urgent as it could lead to severe complications like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. (Nakhleh & Shehadeh, 2021). Uncontrolled diabetes may lead to a series of fluctuations in the blood glucose level which affect neurological function and mental status by causing alterations in physiological functions of the brain. Hypoglycemia can worsen quickly into brain function deficiency, inducing confusion or loss of consciousness, while hyperglycemia, as in diabetic ketoacidosis, may result in electrolyte imbalance and cerebral edema. Timely diagnosis of diabetes helps in early identification of the disease so that intervention, monitoring, and management are done on time for the neurological problems to prevent further complications.
Hypoglycemia and Altered Consciousness
Hypoglycemia, often caused by low blood glucose levels, may result in a reduced level of consciousness in the brain since the brain cells use glucose. Further, there’s a link between hypoglycemia and mental alterations such as confusion and even coma in severe cases. Medical specialists need to promptly identify and manage hypoglycemia to manage the deterioration of the neurological system and to prevent life-threatening complications.
Hyperglycemia and Neurological Effects
Hyperglycemia in diabetic emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as well as hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), can cause a reduced level of consciousness. CDC, 2022 talks about how hyperglycemic crises can lead to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and, ultimately, cerebral edema, which contribute to altered mental status. The presence of these conditions calls for immediate action to correct the metabolic disturbances as well as to prevent neurologic complications.
Ketone Bodies and Fruity Breath
The patient’s breath with the fruity scent, originating from ketone bodies like acetonic, points to a state of ketogenesis in which ketone production is raised. This metabolic condition may be observed in the cases of either diabetic ketoacidosis or extended fasting, as discussed in the research by Yeh et al. (2019). Ketone bodies are volatile molecules that can be detected in exhaled breath, providing a diagnostic criterion for health care professionals. Therefore, recognition of the presence of ketosis and its associated metabolic disorders is crucial for the management of patients with diabetic emergencies and neurologic symptoms.
References
CDC. (2022, May 21). The Effects of Diabetes on the Brain. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-your-brain.html#:~:text=Hyperglycemia%20and%20the%20Brain&text=High%20blood%20sugar%20over%20time
Nakhleh, A., & Shehadeh, N. (2021). Hypoglycemia in diabetes: An update on pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention. World Journal of Diabetes, 12(12), 2036–2049. https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v12.i12.2036
Yeh, C. Y. C., Cheng, H. N. H., Chen, Z.-H., Liao, C. C. Y., & Chan, T.-W. (2019). Enhancing achievement and interest in mathematics learning through Math-Island. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41039-019-0100-9
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question 
A person driving on Highway 11 towards New Orleans was reported scraping the side rails and swerving into the other lane. A brief police chase ensued. The police thought he was inebriated but began to question their first impression when they didn’t smell alcohol or drugs. They called for an ambulance and the individual was rushed to the ER. The patient had slurred speech. The patient wasn’t aware of where they were and couldn’t tell the medical staff the correct year either. There was a fruity smell noted on the patient’s breath.
Case Study – Linking Diabetic Symptoms to Altered Consciousness
Instructions
Answer the following questions and save your responses in a Microsoft Word document. Provide a scholarly resource in APA format to support your answers.
The very next question after checking the level of consciousness and vitals was whether he was diabetic, and why.
Why would a hypoglycemic patient possibly present with a decreased level of consciousness?
Why would a hyperglycemic patient possibly present with a decreased level of consciousness?
The patient’s breath has a fruity smell which is attributed to ketone bodies. Why are they present when the patient exhales and what is this state called?