Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of Diabetes

Understand the Facts, Symptoms, Complications, Treatments and Prevention

Facts

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a very serious complication of diabetes. It develops when you have too little insulin in your body. When this happens your cells can’t get the glucose or sugar to enter your cells for energy. You blood sugar levels will rise and your body will begin to break down the body’s fat for energy instead. This will produce a byproduct of fat, which is a toxic acid known as ketones. If left untreated it can cause you to lose consciousness and even death.

This condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes, but some people with type 2 may also develop it. Often this is the first symptom that causes a person to get check out and see a doctor. The most common underlying causes are infection, disruption of insulin treatment, and being newly diagnosed with diabetes. DKA is typically characterized by hyperglycemia over 300mg/dl, low bicarbonate level <15 mEq/L, and acidosis ph <7.30 with ketonemia and ketonuria.

Other conditions that may cause DKA are high fever, heart attack, stroke, physical or emotional trauma, stress, and surgery, and alcohol and drug abuse. These cases happen 5-10% of the time with no identifiable cause.

Symptoms

- Fatigue or weakness
- Frequent urination or thirst for a day or more
- Strong, fruity breath odor (Similar to the smell of nail polish remover)
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking up. Children may lack interest in normal activities.
- Confusion
- Flushed, hot, dry skin
- Blurred vision
- Rapid, deep breathing or shortness of breath
- Muscle stiffness or aching
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Headache

Complications

- Fluid buildup in the brain (cerebral edema) – Adjusting your blood sugar level too quickly can produce swelling in your brain.

- Low potassium (Hypokalemia) – The fluids used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis may cause your potassium levels to drop too low. A low potassium levels can impair the activities of your heart, muscles and nerves.

- Low blood sugar (Hypoglucemia) – Insulin allows sugar to enter your cells. This causes your blood sugar levels to drop. If your blood sugar level drops too quickly, you may develop low blood sugar.

Treatments

- Insulin replacement
- Fluid and electrolytes will be given
- Treatment of infection, if needed

Prevention

- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercise and physical activity on a daily basis
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Taking medication as directed
- Check your ketone levels
- Prepare to act quickly if this complication arises

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