Diabetic ketoacidosis: what is it, symptoms and treatment

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes characterized by a large amount of glucose in the blood, an increase in the concentration of circulating ketones and a decrease in blood pH, which generally occurs when the insulin treatment is not carried out correctly when other problems arise, such as infections or vascular diseases, for example.

The symptoms produced by diabetic ketoacidosis are mental confusion, fatigue and intense weakness, in addition to abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, for example. Therefore, in case you have a confirmed diagnosis or a history of diabetes and manifest some of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

The treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis is carried out by means of the administration of insulin and intravenous fluid as soon as possible to avoid complications.

main symptoms

The main symptoms that indicate diabetic ketoacidosis are:

• Sensation of intense thirst and dry mouth;
• Dry skin;
• Frequent urges to urinate;
• I miss the ripe fruit;
• Fatigue and intense weakness;
• Shallow and rapid breathing;
• Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting;
• Mental confusion.

In more severe cases, ketoacidosis can also cause cerebral edema, coma and death when they are not identified and treated quickly.

If signs of diabetic ketoacidosis are observed, it is important to evaluate the amount of sugar in the blood with the help of a glucometer and, if a glucose concentration equal to or greater than 300 mg/dl is confirmed, it is recommended to immediately go to servicio de urgencias or call an ambulance to start treatment as soon as possible.

In addition to the evaluation of the glucose concentration, the levels of ketones in the blood are usually verified, which can also be high, as well as the pH of the blood, which, in this case, is acidic. See how to know the pH of blood.

how to produce

In the case of type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin, as the glucose remains in high concentrations in the blood and in low amounts within the cells. This is why the body starts using grease as a source of energy to maintain the body’s functions, leading to the production of keto bodies in excess, which receives the name of ketoacidosis. Learn more about ketosis and its effects on the organism.

The presence in excess of ketone bodies produces a decrease in the pH in the blood, having more acid, a situation called acidosis. How much more acid is the blood, less capacity of the body to carry out its functions, what can lead a person to a coma and even to death.

Treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis

The treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis should be started as soon as possible in the hospital, as it is necessary to administer intravenous serum and insulin to replace the minerals and adequately hydrate the person.

In addition, it is important that the treatment of diabetes be resumed by means of the application of insulin, with the objective of regulating the levels of insulin, having to continue for the patient to control the illness.

Normally, the doctor discharges the person from the hospital 2 days later, so that later, the person maintains the prescribed insulin program at home and consumes a balanced diet for 3 to 3 hours to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis from returning to to emerge. See how the diet for diabetes should be in the following video.