What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A severe and potentially life-threatening condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis or “DKA” is a consequence of diabetes. Unhealthy levels of acidic ketones can build up in the blood when a person has inadequate amounts of insulin in their body. This is a condition you can monitor for and arrest long before the condition becomes a problem. You just need to know what to look for. This article will help guide you to recognize the DKA condition.

Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a serious condition that can occur in those with diabetes. DKA happens when the body starts to break down fat for energy because it doesn’t have enough sugar. This makes acids called ketones, and too many ketones can make people very sick. They may develop a diabetic coma or, in extreme cases, die. DKA is more common among people with Type 1 diabetes, but anyone with Type 2 diabetes can also develop complications from it.

DKA happens when there is an accumulation of ketones in the blood. As glucose circulates through your body, your cells use insulin to let glucose into the cells. Normally, cells use glucose as their main source of nourishment. If you have diabetes your cells do not absorb or use blood sugars, because the body does not make enough insulin or the cells don’t respond to it.

The symptoms

The symptoms of ketoacidosis can change depending on the severity of the condition. The first symptoms, which can come on within 24 hours, include a strong desire for water and frequent need to use the bathroom, very elevated levels of glucose, and elevated ketone in the patient’s urine. If not treated, other diabetic conditions can quickly appear. These additional diabetes symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fruity-smelling breath, and confusion.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. DKA, or diabetic ketoacidosis, most often occurs in people living with Type 1 diabetes. In rarer cases, people who have Type 2 diabetes can get DKA if they are in stressful situations, are sick, or taking medications that are known to increase the chances of getting DKA. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately call your physician, go to the nearest emergency room, or dial 911.

DKA occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to properly process glucose. Instead, it breaks down fat to fuel your cells. This reaction happens in the liver and creates acidic ketones. As ketones accumulate in the blood, DKA becomes the result.

The most common reason for DKA are:

Being sick – If you have an illness that causes you to lose your appetite, you don’t eat and drink as much as normal, and it becomes more difficult for your body to maintain glucose levels if you have diabetes. Diabetes makes it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels, so if you’re not eating or drinking as much, it can make things even harder.

Issues with insulin management – Not taking insulin shots as prescribed, taking the incorrect dosage of insulin, having a malfunction with the insulin pump, or using expired or tainted insulin potentially lead to DKA.

Other conditions that can cause DKA are:

• Unexpected health conditions like stroke, heart attack, UTI (urinary tract infections), or pneumonia
• Exploiting drugs and/or alcohol
• Injuries to the body
• Any of the following medications corticosteroids, diuretics, dexamethasone, prednisone, or glucocorticoids
• Not realizing the initial signs of type 1 diabetes, when the liver begins to break down fat energy to the cells
• Being careless when taking diabetic medications

People with type 2 diabetes can also have DKA, although much rarer than those with type 1 diabetes. The conditions are similar to the list above. Other conditions may include; surgery, pregnancy, pancreatitis, steroids or antipsychotic drugs, developing blood clots in your lungs, or stomach sickness and extreme vomiting.

Testing

There are several tests available to determine your ketone levels, some of which can be done at home. Others may require a visit to a health care provider. Ketone testing is important for people with diabetes, as it can help them manage their condition and avoid serious complications.

Testing for ketones can be measured either through blood or urine test kits. A blood test measures the levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate. Some glucose meters can measure glucose and ketones. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for details. Tests for urine are done with strips that turn color to indicate the ketone levels.

Check with your doctor for information on a preferred method to test for ketones. If you have a high blood sugar reading, something over 240 mg/dL, or if you’re sick, you should check your ketone levels every four to six hours a day.

It can’t be repeated enough, if you have moderate/high levels of ketone contact your doctor. If unable to reach your doctor dial 911 for help or get to the emergency room if you find the above conditions DKA symptoms along with increased glucose levels.

If not treated it can be deadly

DKA can be fatal if left untreated, and it requires hospitalization for emergency medical treatment to prevent a diabetic coma or death.

If test results confirm a DKA condition, the first step is to lower glucose or blood sugar levels. When in emergency conditions DKA treatments normally include administering intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, administering insulin to bring down blood sugar levels, and closely monitoring the patient in a hospital setting.

You should always consult with your physician or another medical provider if you feel that your diabetes is not under control. By doing this, you can ensure that you are receiving the best possible care and treatment for your condition.

As much as DKA is a serious and possibly deadly condition, you can easily avoid the condition by correctly managing your glucose/blood sugar levels. If you’re sick check your glucose levels every for to six hours. If prescribe diabetic meditations take it as directed, don’t skip taking it at the correct time and dosage. As your lifestyle changes follow up with your doctor to adjust insulin and medications to meet your situation.

Final thoughts

You can lead a good healthy lifestyle if you follow the instructions from your doctor on dealing with your diabetes. What is diabetic ketoacidosis, is a question you should be asking. Remember DKA occurs when you get sloppy with your meditations if you push into extreme conditions (sickness, changes in physical activity). If your lifestyle conditions change don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or a medical professional. It could save you an experience with ketoacidosis, DKA.

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Read more: Drugwatch