Symptoms and indicators of diabetic ketoacidosis explained.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes that can affect both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. This condition occurs when the body breaks down fats for energy, producing ketones, which can lead to acid build-up in the bloodstream.
Early symptoms of DKA may include increased thirst and urination, fatigue, nausea, and a fruity odor on the breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical care.
To help monitor the presence of ketones, you can use a urine dipstick test or a blood ketone meter. Urine tests indicate the presence of ketones through a colour change, while blood ketone meters provide real-time results. If you have moderate to large amounts of ketones, or are experiencing DKA symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests monitoring for ketones every 4-6 hours in such cases.
Common causes of DKA include infections or illnesses, problems with insulin therapy, physical or emotional stress, and other factors such as pancreatitis, pregnancy, alcohol or drug misuse, and certain medications. In type 2 diabetes, infection and insulin discontinuation are the predominant causes.
To prevent DKA, it is essential to monitor your blood sugar regularly, maintain blood sugar levels in the target range, take medication as prescribed, and speak with your healthcare team about how to adjust insulin for when you are unwell, your level of activity, and what you eat. You can check your blood sugar levels using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device or a blood sugar meter.
A CGM measures your interstitial glucose level, which is the glucose in the fluid between cells. Results higher than 80 mg/dL in urine suggest an increased risk of DKA. Blood sugar meters have separate test strips for ketones, allowing you to check ketone levels in a similar way.
If you are sick or if your blood sugar readings are 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or above, you should check your ketone levels. If you are unsure about managing your diabetes or need individual guidance, you can ask for a referral to a diabetes management service.
Remember, DKA is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing DKA symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
[1]: Source for type 1 diabetes causes: American Diabetes Association. (2021). Diabetic ketoacidosis. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetic-ketoacidosis [2]: Source for euglycemic DKA: American Diabetes Association. (2021). SGLT2 inhibitors and ketoacidosis. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/find-a-diabetes-care-team/diabetes-management-services/sglt2-inhibitors-and-ketoacidosis [3]: Source for type 2 diabetes causes: American Diabetes Association. (2021). Diabetic ketoacidosis. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetic-ketoacidosis [4]: Source for insulin therapy problems: American Diabetes Association. (2021). Diabetic ketoacidosis. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetic-ketoacidosis [5]: Source for physical or emotional stress: American Diabetes Association. (2021). Diabetic ketoacidosis. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetic-ketoacidosis
- Gestational diabetes, a type of medical-condition that can develop during pregnancy, can lead to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of health-and-wellness monitoring during pregnancy.
- Science continues to advance therapies-and-treatments for chronic diseases such as diabetes; for instance, new studies are focusing on the potential benefits of certain drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors in preventing ketoacidosis.
- In addition to managing classic symptoms of diabetes, like increased thirst and fatigue, chronic diseases like diabetes require regular screening for complications like gestational diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis to ensure optimal health-and-wellness.
