Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the inability of the body cells to get the sugar they need for energy due to insufficient insulin supply.
When the sugar cannot get into the cells, it stays in the blood. The kidneys filter some of the sugar from the blood and remove it from the body through urine. Since the cells cannot receive sugar for energy, the body begins to break down fat and muscle for energy leading to the formation of ketones, or fatty acids in the bloodstream, causing the chemical imbalance called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Warning Signs
Test your ketones when your blood sugar is over 240 mg/dL or you have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as dry mouth, feeling really thirsty, or peeing a lot. You can check your levels with a urine test strip. Some glucose meters measure ketones, too.
But if you have any of the diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms below and your ketones aren’t normal, it is better to call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away:
Good blood sugar control will help you avoid ketoacidosis.
- Take your medicines as directed.
- Follow your meal plan closely.
- Keep up with your exercise program.
- Test your blood sugar regularly.
But when diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms go severe, it must be treated right away. Treatment involves giving insulin and fluids through your vein and to treat dehydration, since it will take several days for your blood sugar level to return to a target range.
If you don’t treat ketoacidosis, you could pass out, go into a coma, and possibly die.
Image Credits: istudentnurse
