{"id":619,"date":"2023-11-07T17:56:58","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T17:56:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/?p=619"},"modified":"2023-11-17T17:24:52","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T17:24:52","slug":"diabetic-ketoacidosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/diabetic-ketoacidosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Diabetic Ketoacidosis: All You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"eplus-mTKaFJ eplus-wrapper\">Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a dangerous and possibly fatal complication of diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes and take insulin, you are at greater risk of developing this condition when sugar levels go high. However, it might also occur for people with other diabetes forms and might even be one of the first symptoms for those who haven\u2019t been diagnosed yet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-FcgyAW eplus-wrapper\">On average, <strong>there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/pdfs\/data\/statistics\/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">over 200,000 cases of ketoacidosis annually in the United States<\/a>.<\/strong> It is not to be taken lightly \u2013 it should be rightly treated as a medical emergency. You need to be under hospital treatment if you have symptoms of DKA.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-AfgMUA wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What Happens When You Have Diabetic ketoacidosis and Why?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-OGuCvj eplus-wrapper\">When you have this complication of diabetes, you will have high blood sugar and ketones in the urine and blood. This can happen quite suddenly over a period of 24 hours or less.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-XHsw4V eplus-wrapper\">If you have type 1 diabetes and have not taken insulin in a sufficient quantity or missed one or more doses, you are at risk of DKA. When you don\u2019t have enough insulin, the glucose available from food cannot be used for energy. This causes the liver to break down fat into ketones in an effort to use the energy from fat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-v2y8KC eplus-wrapper\">As ketone production goes up, the ketones are excreted in the urine, and the blood turns acidic. This happens rapidly and causes ketoacidosis. Under normal circumstances, when your diabetes is under control, or you don\u2019t have diabetes, the liver breaks down fat very slowly, and the ketones produced are actually used by the heart and muscles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-3pbtym eplus-wrapper\">High blood sugar, too fast breaking down of fat, high production of ketones all contribute to DKA.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-RLZP1a wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What Causes Ketoacidosis in Diabetes?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-4UgKsL eplus-wrapper\">You are diagnosed with diabetes when your <a href=\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/blog\/when-to-test-your-blood-sugar-levels\/\">blood sugar levels<\/a> are higher than normal. There are many causative factors of this serious and life-threatening condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-fffeIH eplus-wrapper\">Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur due to varied reasons such as:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-OY6pbx eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Not enough insulin in the body<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Certain medications that trigger DKA (steroids, antipsychotics)<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">You don\u2019t know that you have type 1 diabetes \u2013 DKA can be the first sign of insulin-dependent diabetes<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">You experience some physical stress like infection or illness<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Stroke, heart attack, or pancreatitis can also cause DKA<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Drinking a lot of alcohol<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Indulging in high doses of narcotic drugs like cocaine<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-pJoR6h eplus-wrapper\">If you have undiagnosed diabetes, you must look out for signs and symptoms that could potentially signal this condition. In case you\u2019ve already been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you should be aware of the warning signs of DKA, so you can take action quickly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-QaVbJ6 eplus-wrapper\">At any time, if you are ill or have a serious infection, do inform your doctor about your diabetes. You should also be wary about taking medicine and supplements on your own, even supposedly natural and herbal products, as they can interact with any diabetic medications and cause problems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-FUfx8Q wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What Are the Warning Signs of Diabetic ketoacidosis?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-3FwuhJ eplus-wrapper\">Even though diabetic ketoacidosis can develop suddenly, if you experience some of the symptoms together and you know you have diabetes, do contact your medical service provider or rush to the hospital. Some of the signs are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-2Lmlij eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Sudden abdominal pain<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Extremely frequent urination<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Severe thirst<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Smelly urine that signifies the presence of ketones<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Fruity smelling breath<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Red or flushed face<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/klinio.com\/blog\/hypoglycemia\/\">Hyperglycemia<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Fatigue<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Rapid breathing or panting for breath<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Dry skin<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Muscle pain<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Nausea and vomiting<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Confusion<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Falling blood pressure<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-nxasw0 eplus-wrapper\">If you don\u2019t know whether you have diabetes, you should also take greater care and, at the first signs, check with your medical advisor or do a blood sugar test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-e0GOuO wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What Organs Are Affected by Ketoacidosis?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-nAgtCJ eplus-wrapper\">Your body and your brain can be affected by DKA. As you continue to urine often, you can get dehydrated, and this can affect your kidneys and cause organ damage. DKA also affects the brain, causing confusion and irritability. You may act as if you are drunk and lose your sense of balance and control over your emotions. Your mental state may also be affected.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-MvlpKc eplus-wrapper\">Internal swelling can happen in your brain due to excess fluid build-up, resulting in cerebral edema or fluid in the brain. Fluid build-up can also affect your lungs, causing heavy breathing and shortness of breath.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-WSePic eplus-wrapper\">As ketones increase, you can suffer from a heart attack or stroke, or you can also fall into a coma.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-RE9lem eplus-wrapper\">Before any of these complications happen, take steps to normalize your blood glucose levels. If you are in a bad state, rush to the emergency room or call 911.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-GALGj3 wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Prevention of Diabetic ketoacidosis<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-9y0gAN eplus-wrapper\">It is absolutely crucial that you manage your diabetes, no matter the type. As far as possible, avoid getting your sugar levels too high or too low. As a matter of course, you should:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"eplus-RTcbeZ eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. If you\u2019re doing fine on your medications and insulin but experience any kind of stress or trauma, check your sugar. If you overeat, miss a meal, drink alcohol, or do anything that will affect your glucose levels, just check. You can get really small and portable monitors that you can keep with you. You can even get ones that use smartphones for checking and tracking.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">While exercise is very good to manage diabetes, make sure that you suddenly don\u2019t over-exercise or indulge in strenuous physical activity.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Eat regularly and have meals that are generally with a low glycemic load.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Check ketone levels via a urine test, available at most pharmacies. Any time you feel that you are urinating very often or have ketones in the urine, just check.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Adjust insulin intake if necessary. Or talk to your doctor if you note any symptoms of high blood sugar.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-NkAgSG eplus-wrapper\">If you feel that your sugar levels are high, you don\u2019t have access to a sugar monitor or insulin and experience symptoms of DKA, just go to the emergency room.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-O2j023 wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">How Is Diabetic ketoacidosis Diagnosed?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-SMThbO eplus-wrapper\">Apart from testing your blood sugar levels, you will probably have to undergo a number of tests for a definitive diagnosis:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-GphcQU eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Blood sugar test to check the levels of blood sugar<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">A urine test may show ketones in the urine<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Arterial blood test for gas in the blood may show that the blood is acidic<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Electrolyte level check<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Blood pressure is a basic test<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">A chest x-ray for breathing-related problems and to rule out pneumonia<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Electrocardiogram to check the effect of ketoacidosis on the heart<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Kidney function test<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-reHPxo eplus-wrapper\">These tests may be repeated as required and as your condition stabilizes and improves.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"eplus-3cq3Dt wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What Are the Treatment Options of DKA?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-vS9Y3p eplus-wrapper\">Even if you\u2019re treated in a hospital, you should be aware of the treatment protocols. The aim of the treatment is to get you out of diabetic ketoacidosis as quickly as possible. So you will be given fluids, either orally (if you can take them) or via I.V. so that your body is no longer dehydrated. Hydration is an important method to reduce hyperglycemia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-wPOiXo eplus-wrapper\">You will be given insulin so that your blood sugar levels normalize. These should be below 240mg\/dL.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-lHzJw1 eplus-wrapper\">Electrolyte imbalance often occurs with DKA. As sodium and potassium levels are not normal, they can affect the functioning of your body. You will be given electrolytes, again via I.V.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"eplus-HB8dGN eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"eplus-1cU5fo eplus-wrapper\">\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Diabetes invariably carries some risks \u2013 diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication when you are severely hyperglycemic. It can occur if you have undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of DKA \u2013 when you know what the signs of this complication are, you can take steps to save your health and prevent organ damage or worse.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Always aim to keep blood sugar levels under control \u2013 balance your insulin or medications, your diet, and activity levels and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, several times a day, if necessary, so that you can manage your diabetes better.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a dangerous and possibly fatal complication of diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes and take insulin, you are at greater risk of developing&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/619"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=619"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/619\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":622,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/619\/revisions\/622"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}