What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis? Symptoms And Causes

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe disease caused by an abnormal buildup of ketones in the body, which can result in diabetic coma or death.

 It should not be confused with ketosis, which occurs as a result of the ketogenic diet and causes ketone elevation at a more harmless rate. DKA is especially insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes, as it occurs due to insulin deficiency. seen in patients. 

While monitoring blood sugar remains crucial, ketone measurement shouldn't be overlooked in gestational or type 2 diabetes. Factors like missed insulin doses or infections can trigger diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), making ketone checks a valuable tool for early detection.

 Frequent urination, excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, fruity breath, and high blood sugar are the most common symptoms. DKA is an extremely serious condition and is usually treated in hospitals. You can prevent its symptoms by learning well and taking regular ketone measurements.

What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a diabetic complication that develops when blood sugar levels rise and the body creates an excess of blood acids known as ketones. 

Diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe complication of diabetes, arises when the body lacks sufficient insulin.expand_more This insulin deficiency, particularly common in type 1 diabetes, throws the body's fuel processing into chaos.expand_more If left untreated, DKA can progress to diabetic coma or even death.

Causes of diabetic ketoacidosis

Glucose, the body's fuel of choice, powers our cells. Insulin acts as the key, unlocking the cell door and allowing glucose to enter. When insulin is scarce, this vital entry system malfunctions.

 The body, desperate for energy, resorts to breaking down fat for fuel, a process with potentially dangerous consequences.

As a result, an accumulation of acids called ketones occurs in the bloodstream. If left untreated, too many ketones build up and the blood becomes acidic. Diabetic ketoacidosis is the medical term for this condition.

The most common causes of diabetic ketoacidosis are:

Insufficient insulin therapy: A technical problem, such as missing an insulin injection, not injecting enough, or a blockage in the insulin pump, results in too little insulin remaining in the system.

Sickness can be a double whammy for diabetics.  Infections like pneumonia or UTIs make the body fight back, releasing hormones that mess with insulin.  This can lead to DKA.

Diabetic ketoacidosis risk factors

The following conditions may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis:

• type 1 diabetes
• be under the age of 19,
• Emotional or physical trauma
• Stress
• High fever
• heart attack or stroke,
• Cigarette
• alcohol or drug addiction (especially cocaine ),
• Pregnancy

Diabetic ketoacidosis is not common in patients with type 2 diabetes, but some patients may be at risk. In addition, corticosteroids and some diuretics may increase the risk of DKA. Be sure to inform your doctor if you are using a drug.

Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms

• frequent urination
• the feeling of extreme thirst
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
• Ketone elevation in urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach ache
• The blurring of consciousness (confusion)
• The fruity scent on the breath
• facial flushing,
• malaise,
• Shortness of breath,
• Dry mouth and skin.

DKA is usually a slowly developing condition. However, if you are vomiting, this life-threatening condition can develop within a few hours. 

Experiencing any of the above symptoms in combination with type 1 diabetes is a red flag. Don't wait! Head straight to your nearest emergency department. 

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition that can quickly progress to coma or even death. Act swiftly to avoid complications.

Diabetic ketoacidosis treatment

The primary goal in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis is to normalize blood sugar and insulin levels. When DKA is diagnosed, the patient is treated in the emergency room or hospitalization, depending on the severity of the condition. The process followed is generally as follows:

Intravenous fluid supplementation

Frequent urination, which is one of the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, causes fluid loss (dehydration) in the patient, and dehydration causes high blood sugar. 

For this reason, the lost fluid is regained by administering intravenous fluid supplementation to the patient. This application also helps to dilute the sugar in the blood.

Insulin works to reverse the mechanisms that lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient is given intravenous (intravenous) insulin until the blood glucose level drops below 240 mg/dL. When the blood sugar reaches a normal level, the patient is given normal insulin therapy.

electrolyte supplement

Imagine your body as a complex electrical grid. Electrolytes, like sodium, potassium, and chloride, are the charged mineral particles that keep the current flowing. 

These tiny power players ensure your heart beats steadily, your nerves fire precisely, and countless other bodily functions run smoothly.

 When insulin levels get too low, electrolyte levels in the body can also drop well below normal. To prevent possible health problems, intravenous electrolyte supplements are given.

Infection treatment

Some diseases and infections can cause DKA. In such a case, antibiotic therapy is usually administered.

Once body chemistry returns to normal, the doctor may order additional tests to check for possible triggers for diabetic ketoacidosis, and additional treatment may be needed depending on the situation.

How do I prevent diabetic ketoacidosis?

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is your best defense against diabetic ketoacidosis. Let's explore some effective strategies..."

• Take your medication as directed.
• Get expert help for your diet and exercise program.
• Measure your blood sugar regularly.
• Check the expiration date of the insulin you use. Do not use if there are lumps in it
• If you use an insulin pump, check regularly for blockages.
• If your blood glucose level is mostly outside of your target range, be sure to inform your doctor.
• Have an idea of ​​what to do in case of DKA,
• Always have an easy-to-use urine or blood ketone test kit at home. You can find these kits in pharmacies or online stores.
•  If your blood sugar tops 250 mg/dL, you're feeling unwell, or a workout's on the horizon, take a ketone test. Early detection can prevent serious complications.
• Call your doctor if your ketone level is moderate or high, and seek immediate medical attention if you are at risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Complications of diabetic ketoacidosis

If diabetic ketoacidosis is not treated, one of the following potentially fatal health problems may develop:

• Cerebral edema (fluid buildup in the brain)
• Cardiac arrest
• Kidney failure or damage to other organs
• Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency)
• Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lung)
• Diabetic ketoacidosis during pregnancy

Although diabetic ketoacidosis during pregnancy is rare, it is a condition that requires urgent attention as it can have significant adverse consequences for the mother and the developing baby. 

Type 1, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes patients are at risk and should be under control. However, it is most commonly seen in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

Changes such as increased insulin resistance, dehydration due to vomiting, and stress during pregnancy increase the risk of DKA. Factors 

such as acute illness or infection, insulin pump failure, and non-compliance with the prescribed insulin regimen may also be triggered. 

Symptoms are often the same as non-pregnancy, but in pregnant women, DKA may begin with more aggressive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or mental confusion. In the treatment, the same methods applied to non-pregnant patients are applied.

Ketoacidosis and ketosis

Ketoacidosis should not be confused with ketosis, which is harmless. Ketosis is a condition that occurs after a type of extremely low-carb diet known as the ketogenic diet. 

Both contain ketones in the body, but the ketone level in ketosis is much lower and safer than in diabetic ketoacidosis.