Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 Complication - What You Need to Know About Diabetes Ketoacidosis

If you have diabetes type 1 then you are very prone to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis.



Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from a severe, relative or absolute insulin deficiency leading to accumulation of excess glucose (hyperglycemia) and ketones in the blood. This ketones are very toxic chemicals that affect the body cells especially the brain cells.



Diabetic ketoacidosis is very common in Type 1 diabetes and it accounts for most of the hospitalization of diabetic children and it is the most common cause of death in Type 1 diabetes.



The major goal of diabetes management in type 1 diabetes is the prevention the prevention of ketoacidosis by a high index of suspicion of early symptoms in undiagnosed and close supervision and control of established patients.



What predisposes to the development of ketoacidosis?



- infections, like pneumonia, urinary tract infections and sepsis
- psychological factors and improper usage and omission of insulin therapy, psychological factors include fear of hypoglycemia and the stress associated with the treatment of a chronic long standing disease
- kidney failure
- hypothermia
- acute stress like trauma , surgery



Symptoms



- Usual diabetic symptoms precede the development of DKA symptoms, these include ,polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), weight loss, and increasing body weakness..
- The onset is usually gradual ,over several days.
- Vomiting which may be severe and causes dehydration
- Hyperventilation, (hyper breathing)
- Abdominal pain which may be severe



Signs



- Dehydration which is usually more than 10% dehydration
- Tachycardia
- Blood pressure may be lowered ,but it is usually within normal range
- Body temperature might be normal, increased or reduced
- Convulsions
- Coma (unconsciousness)
- Hyperventilation



Management



Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency and once the symptoms are identified ,the diabetic should be taken to the hospital for prompt medical attention.

Dealing With Diabetes - Top 10 Symptoms of Ketoacidosis

In many cases, doctors are alerted to children having type 1 diabetes thanks to the symptoms of ketoacidosis. Where this condition is more common in adults with type 1 diabetes, there are a number of symptoms they should be on the lookout for.



It's important to note that in current times, thanks to the ability to self monitor blood glucose levels that ketoacidosis is not nearly as prevalent as it once was. However, it is still possible to run into this condition - especially if you have an insulin delivery device that could be interrupted. If you have an insulin pump under your skin, it's possible that it could malfunction without you knowing about it. You insulin delivery would then stop, your blood glucose level would rise and sure enough, you'd have ketoacidosis would develop if you were not aware of the discontinuation of insulin quickly enough.



While you may notice that you have any of the following ten symptoms and think you have ketoacidosis, the actual diagnosis is best left up to a doctor - and one in a hospital setting so that treatment can begin immediately if necessary.



The symptoms you want to be aware of include:



1. Nausea and Vomiting



This can be caused by the build up of acids in your blood along with the loss of other body substances.



2. Rapid Breathing



In this situation, you'll experience rapid breathing because your blood is so acidic that your body attempts to get rid of some of it through the lungs. One tip off here is the fruity smell of your breath due to acetone. Rapid breathing caused by this process is called Kussmaul breathing, which is named after the gentleman who first described this condition.



3. Extreme drowsiness



The reason you are tired in this situation is because your brain is enveloped in syrup like blood because it is missing the critical substances you've lost in your urine.



4. Weakness



You are weakened because your muscle tissue is not able to get glucose - the fuel that runs your body.



The next six symptoms are symptoms that your doctor will diagnose, but are symptoms you should be aware of.



5. Blood Glucose level over 300 mg/dl



6. Acid condition in your blood



7. Very high levels of ketones in your urine and blood



8. A dry tongue and skin - classic signs of dehydration



9. A significant potassium deficiency in your body



10. A fruity or acetone odor on your breath



When you doctor is confronted with most of these symptoms, but especially the last six, they will want to begin immediate treatment.