Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to allow cells to use blood sugar as energy so the liver breaks down fat for fuel-producing acids called ketones. Excess ketones can lead to toxic levels of ketones in the body.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is most common among people who have type 1 diabetes, though it can occur in people who have type 2 diabetes as well.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated in a hospital as an emergency and most patients will recover with proper treatment. To get rid of diabetic ketoacidosis, treatments may include:
- Administration of fluids to help dilute the excess sugars in the blood
- Replenishing electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, insulin) because low insulin levels can deplete cause low electrolytes
- Insulin
- Medication for any underlying illness that may have caused or contributed to the diabetic ketoacidosis, such as antibiotics for infection
- Potassium supplements may be given to help prevent low potassium (hypokalemia)
What Are Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Early symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
If not treated promptly, other more serious symptoms can develop, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Dry skin and mouth
- Facial flushing
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Headache
- Muscle stiffness or aches
- Weakness or fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach/abdominal pain
- Confusion
In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms are the first signs of diabetes in people who have not yet been diagnosed.
Go to a hospital’s emergency room or call 911 if you are diabetic and have:
What Causes Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a result of very high blood sugar levels and low insulin levels. The most common causes of this are:
- Illness
- Common illnesses that trigger diabetic ketoacidosis include pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- People who are sick may not eat or drink as they normally do which can cause blood sugar levels to rise
- Illness can also cause the body to produce higher levels of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol
- Issues with insulin use
- Missing insulin doses
- Having a clogged insulin pump
- Using the wrong insulin dose
Other triggers for diabetic ketoacidosis may include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Traumatic injury, such a car accident
- Alcohol or drug use/abuse
- Certain medicines
- Diuretics (“water pills”)
- Corticosteroids
- Pancreatitis
- Blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
- Eating disorders
How Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis Diagnosed?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is diagnosed with a patient history, physical examination, and blood tests.
Blood tests may include:
- Blood sugar levels
- Ketone levels
- Blood acidity
- Electrolyte tests
If you are using an at-home over-the-counter ketone test kit to check urine or a meter to test blood for ketones, elevated ketones are a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency.
What Are Complications of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Complications of diabetic ketoacidosis are often a result of the treatments used for diabetic ketoacidosis, and may include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
- Swelling in the brain
How Do You Prevent Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
People who are diabetic can take steps to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis, such as:
- Checking blood sugar frequently, especially when sick, injured, or otherwise stressed
- Keeping blood sugar levels in the target range
- Taking medicines as prescribed
- Talking to your doctor about how to adjust your insulin based on diet, activity levels, or illness
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https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetic-ketoacidosis.html
https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/diabetes/how-prevent-diabetic-ketoacidosis