Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Symptoms And Prevention.

[LoShiNi]

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of diabetes in which levels of acids called ketones in your blood increase. It occurs when there is a severe lack of insulin in your organism. Lack of insulin makes it impossible for your cells to use glucose in your blood for energy, so they start burning fat. In this process, ketones are released into your bloodstream, and the build-up occurs. Diabetic ketoacidosis is potentially fatal, so it requires immediate medical attention.

Type 1 diabetes patients are at a higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, because their bodies don’t produce insulin and they have to rely on insulin shots. The levels of ketones may increase if they skip a meal or suffer from physical or mental stress. Diabetic ketoacidosis doesn’t often happen to those who have type 2 diabetes.


If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar, or your blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL, check your ketones too. You can use over-the-counter urine testing kit or your glucose meter (if it can measure ketones). Try to decrease your blood sugar levels and then repeat ketone test 30 minutes later.

Call your doctor or go straight to the ER, if you didn’t manage to bring down your blood sugar and ketone levels, and you experience the following symptoms:

>> you’ve been vomiting for over 2 hours;

>> you feel nauseous or have abdominal pain;

>> your breath has a fruity smell;

>> you feel dizzy, weary, or confused;

>> you experience trouble breathing.


If you go to the hospital, doctors will probably administer insulin through an IV, and fluids to keep you hydrated and bring your blood chemistry back to normal. If untreated, ketoacidosis can lead to loss of consciousness, coma, and even death.

Your doctor will probably adjust your insulin dosage or prescribe a different type of insulin. It’s recommended that you start drinking more pure water and sugar-free, non-alcoholic drinks.

Keeping your blood sugar in check will help you prevent ketoacidosis:

>> take your medicines as your doctor instructed;

>> adhere to the recommended diet;

>> get enough exercise;

>> monitor and record your blood sugar frequently.