Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma (passing out for a long time) or even death. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency.
When your cells don’t get the glucose they need for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones. Ketones are chemicals that the body creates when it breaks down fat to use for energy. The body does this when it doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose, the body’s normal source of energy. When ketones build up in the blood, they make it more acidic. They are a warning sign that your diabetes is out of control or that you are getting sick.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes and, much less commonly, of type 2 diabetes. DKA happens when your blood sugar is very high and acidic substances called ketones build up to dangerous levels in your body. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that can be life-threatening. DKA is most common among people with type 1 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes can also develop DKA.
symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?
Symptoms of DKA can appear quickly and may include:
- frequent urination
- extreme thirst
- high blood sugar levels
- high levels of ketones in the urine
- nausea or vomiting
- abdominal pain
- confusion
- fruity-smelling breath
- a flushed face
- fatigue
- rapid breathing
- dry mouth and skin
Causes of DKA
Here are three basic reasons for moderate or large amounts of ketones:
- Not enough insulin
Maybe you did not inject enough insulin. Or your body could need more insulin than usual because of illness. - Not enough food
When you’re sick, you often don’t feel like eating, sometimes resulting in high ketone levels. High levels may also occur when you miss a meal. - Insulin reaction (low blood glucose)
If testing shows high ketone levels in the morning, you may have had an insulin reaction while asleep.
Other causes of DKA include:
- Heart attack or stroke.
- Physical injury, such as from a car accident.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Certain medicines,
Elevated ketones are a sign of DKA, a medical emergency, and need to be treated immediately.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 right away if you can’t get in touch with your doctor and are experiencing any of the following:
- Your blood sugar stays at 300 mg/dL or above.
- Your breath smells fruity.
- You are vomiting and can’t keep food or drinks down.
- You’re having trouble breathing.
- You have multiple signs and symptoms of DKA.
Treatment for DKA
If you have DKA, you’ll be treated in the emergency room or admitted to the hospital. Your treatment will likely include:
- Replacing fluids you lost through frequent urination and to help dilute excess sugar in your blood.
- Replacing electrolytes (minerals in your body that help your nerves, muscles, heart, and brain work the way they should). Too little insulin can lower your electrolyte levels.
- Receiving insulin. Insulin reverses the conditions that cause DKA.
- Taking medicines for any underlying illness that caused DKA, such as antibiotics for an
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