A serious complication of diabetes is—diabetic ketoacidosis. Commonly, it occurs in undiagnosed cases of type one diabetes, but it can also occur in type 2 diabetics. It is diagnosed and treated by the Best Internal Medicine specialist in Lahore.
Read on to know more about diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Its causes, symptoms, and management:
What is diabetic ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body is using fat stores instead of glucose for energy due to severe depletion of insulin. In type I diabetes, there is insufficient insulin produced by the pancreas, in comparison to type II diabetes. In which small quantities of insulin are still produced by the pancreas. Consequently, the body is unable to utilize the blood glucose. And move it into the cells and muscles for energy production. As a result, the body burns fat and produces a large amount of acidic ketone bodies. And goes into a state which we know as diabetic ketoacidosis.
What are ketones?
Ketones the chemicals made by the liver when fat metabolize. They are acidic bodies, which the muscles and other cells in the body can then use for fuel. In non-diabetics, the buildup of ketones is not an issue, however, in diabetics. Things go out of control with a steep rise of ketones. This rise can be life-threatening if not dealt with in, timely.
Ketones can teste through blood or urine test. Urine keto strips are available over-the-counter, as are the home blood ketone kits, but the latter is less accurate.
A urine test can show:
- No ketones
- Trace ketones
- Moderate ketones
- A large amount of ketones
Blood tests can show:
- Level less than 0.6 are normal
- Levels between 0.6 and 1.0 are slightly high
- Levels between 1.0 and 3.0 are moderately high
- Level more than 3.0 considere very high
What are the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis presents with the following signs and symptoms:
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Frequent urination
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Fruit-scented breath
- Weakness and fatigue
In people with diabetic ketoacidosis. The blood glucose levels are in the very high range. Usually higher than 300 mg/dL or 16.7 mmol/L.
When is diabetic ketoacidosis triggered?
Diabetic ketoacidosis triggere in the following conditions:
- Acute illness: in acute infection or other illnesses when the body stresse. There is insulin resistance. And the body’s requirement of insulin is greatly increased. Thus, an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis can triggere by acute infection.
- Missed dose of insulin: if someone misses their dose of insulin or there is inadequate insulin therapy. It can trigger diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Other causes: other possible causes of diabetic ketoacidosis include pregnancy. Mmedication like corticosteroids, diuretics. Drug abuse, heart attack, and physical trauma.
How is diabetic ketoacidosis diagnosed?
Diabetic ketoacidosis suspecte based on symptoms. And then confirmed through investigations like arterial blood gases. Urinalysis, chest x-ray, and bloodwork.
What are the treatment options?
Without treatment people with diabetic ketoacidosis can go into a diabetic coma, and even die. Emergency treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, include:
- Continuous infusion of insulin therapy
- Infusion of fluids to improve the hydration of the patient
- Replacement of electrolytes through the IV with key minerals like potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate.
What the complications associated with diabetic ketoacidosis?
Without treatment, diabetic ketoacidosis can have potentially life-threatening complications. These include:
- Hypoglycemia
- Low potassium
- Loss of consciousness
- Brain swelling or cerebral edema
- Death
How is diabetic ketoacidosis prevented?
Diabetic ketoacidosis can be prevented with good blood sugar control and taking the following steps, as advised by experts available for booking at oladoc.com.
- Taking the medication as directed by the physician
- Following the diabetes meal plan
- Keeping an exercise regimen and following it diligently
- Maintaining adequate hydration
- Testing serum glucose regularly
- Checking insulin for expiry
- Talking to the healthcare provider if the blood glucose is out of target range
- Creating an emergency plan for DKA
Read More: Incorporate Vitamins and Minerals Into Your Day-to-Day Routine
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