Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Causes
The main source of energy that make up your muscles from the cells and other tissues if sugar. With the help of insulin, sugar enters your cells. If your body does not have enough insulin, it won't be able to use sugar for energy. What usually triggers diabetic ketoacidosis is an illness or an infection that make your body produce certain hormones like adrenaline. These hormones work against insulin that would sometimes trigger diabetic ketoacidosis. Urinary tract infections as well as pneumonia can also be common causes. An episode of diabetic ketoacidosis might also be triggered when inadequate insulin therapy or missed insulin treatments leave you with little insulin in your system. Other causes may include stroke, heart attack, stress, high fever, alcohol or drug abuse, surgery and physical or emotional trauma.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Definition
A serious complication of diabetes develops when you have too little insulin in your body, and is called diabetic ketoacidosis, for without enough insulin, glucose can't enter your cells for energy. Your body begins to break down fat for energy and your blood sugar level will rise, and if left untreated may let you lose consciousness.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Diagnosis
Suspecting diabetic ketoadosis, a doctor will do various blood tests and physical exams. The blood tests measure the blood acidity, blood sugar level and ketone level.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis may sometimes develop quickly within 24 hours. One may experience nausea and vomiting, confusion, excessive thirst, weakness or fatigue, frequent urination, shortness of breath, fruity-scented health, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Treatment
Fluid placement either through a vein or orally that will replace those you've lost through excessive urination and also help dilute the excess sugar in your blood is one of the treatments when diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis. Another treatment is through insulin therapy, where it reverses the process that cause such disorder. Electrolyte replacement can also be a treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis.