Diabetes Ketoacidosis: What you need to know.

 Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes. Left untreated the condition can lead to a coma or even death. It is common in Type 1 Diabetes.

 DKA develops when insulin levels are low. When insulin is low glucose cannot be taken up by the cells ,where it is needed for energy. Glucose remains in the blood stream resulting in high sugar levels in blood.

To meet its energy needs, the body starts breaking down fats. The breakdown of fats produces ketones which the body uses for energy. Accumulation of ketones in blood leads to an imbalance of certain important components of blood. This imbalance causes a condition called diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA).

 Signs and Symptoms of DKA

• Extreme thirst and urination
• Nausea and vomiting
•  Stomach pain
• Feeling weak or tired
• Shortness of breath
• Having fruity-scented breath
• Confusion
• Fainting

Individuals with DKA will have high sugar levels in their blood and high ketone levels in their urine.

Who is at Risk?

Illness and stress increases risk of DKA. Being diagnosed with certain medical conditions as well as use of certain medications may cause DKA. Insufficient dosing of insulin for those treated with insulin puts one at risk of developing DKA.

Tips for managing DKA.

• Know the signs and symptoms of DKA.
• If you are sick or stressed or had a recent illness remember to check your sugar levels more often. If you can, monitor your ketone levels as well.
• Seek medical attention if your sugar is high and you have high ketone levels in your urine or you start expiriencing symptoms related to DKA.