Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and potentially deadly complication of uncontrolled diabetes.
DKA tends to happen in type 1 diabetic patients. Based on a large-scale study, of all DKA patients, 53.3% were between 18 and 44 years old.
DKA occurs when the signal from insulin drops too low that the body can’t use glucose as fuel. So, the liver is desperately trying to compensate by making too much glucose. For the body to have something to process, the liver ends up rapidly breaking down fat.
When that happens, dangerous substances known as ketones start stacking up. The more ketones the liver creates, the bigger the odds of them becoming toxic and making the blood acidic, eventually leading to a metabolic state called DKA.
DKA can happen in people who don’t control their diabetes or have undiagnosed diabetes.
Here is a quick look at how DKA affects the body.
Warning Signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
How do you know if you’re going into DKA? DKA doesn’t take too much time to develop. Signs can occur within a 24-hour period. There are many symptoms that can help you recognize this metabolic state. In the early phase, you might start feeling very thirsty and have increased urination.
Without proper diabetes management, you can develop other symptoms, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Deep and fast breathing
- Very dry mouth and skin
- High ketone levels in the pee
- Constant tiredness
- Muscle aches or stiffness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fruity smell on breath
- Flushed face
- Confusion or trouble staying focused
DKA is a medical emergency and requires adequate treatment.
Talk to a healthcare provider when you have more than one symptom. For example, you’ve been having nausea and vomiting for over 2 hours. Or your stomach hurts and you felt queasy for some time. Usually, DKA causes the breath to smell fruity and patients can have a hard time breathing.
Without medical treatment, DKA can make you lose consciousness, lead to diabetic coma, or even death.
When to get emergency help for DKA?
Contact a specialist or a local hospital if you have multiple signs of DKA. Especially if your glucose stays at 300 mg/dL or over, your breath has a fruity smell, and you keep vomiting the food you eat. An emergency center can get the breathing under control and mitigate the rest of the symptoms.
Main Triggers for Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Many factors can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Primarily, DKA happens when the body doesn’t get enough insulin. This lack of insulin is causing a range of problems, which can affect the liver. The liver releases ketones in a process known as ketogenesis.
The body uses ketoacids and ketones as an alternate source of energy when it is too short on glucose supply.
Ketones are always present in the blood. Their levels increase during prolonged exercise and fasting. Diabetes is the leading cause of elevated blood ketones.
Here is a list of the known triggers for DKA.
Forgetting to Take Insulin
Most cases of type 1 diabetes are insulin dependent. This is a chronic form of diabetes that requires insulin medications for proper management.
When you forget to take your doses, once or a couple of times, you can develop DKA.
Your body requires insulin to function. Not getting the necessary doses, particularly with a meal, can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms.
Problems With the Insulin Pump
Many patients who use an insulin pump forget to check the device for any issues or malfunctions.
Like any computer or modern device, insulin pumps can fail or have a defect. You can also accidentally disconnect it or break it. This can prevent insulin from getting to the body, which can cause DKA.
Check the device regularly to avoid this problem.
Using Insulin That Has Gone Bad
Insulin can expire or spoil.
Check the product’s expiration date then inspect the color and consistency of your medication.
The liquid insulin must be clear. It shouldn’t have any discolorations, clumps, or cloudiness. If you spot any changes in color and consistency, don’t use it.
Recently Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes
Newly diagnosed patients often don’t know how to manage their metabolic condition. They can miss the early signs of diabetes and fail to take the necessary precautions. This may end up affecting their insulin production and blood sugar levels.
Developing Some Health Problems
Sometimes, when you get sick, your body releases excess hormones, like cortisol. This can interfere with insulin function. Vomiting can be one of the triggers of DKA.
An infection can also interfere with hormone production. In many cases, if you have an infection and diabetes, the body ends up using a lot more insulin. This can occur with skin infections, UTI (urinary tract infections), and pneumonia. Stroke, heart attack, and pancreatitis can also trigger DKA.
Pregnancy
Pregnant diabetic women can develop insulin resistance. As the baby develops, the body may need more insulin. Without proper management, it can lead to DKA.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Drug and alcohol abuse can interfere with insulin production. So, diabetic patients can have a hard time managing their insulin. Plus, when a person is drunk or under the influence, they are more likely to forget to take their diabetes medication, which can lead to DKA.
How to Stop Diabetic Ketoacidosis
People with DKA receive treatment in a hospital room.
Treatment usually involves:
- Replacing lost fluids. You may need to replace fluids if you have to dilute the excess glucose or you’ve been struggling with frequent peeing.
- Receiving the right amount of insulin. Insulin can reverse health problems that lead to DKA.
- Getting electrolytes. If the poor insulin function has reduced your electrolyte levels, your body will need to replenish these minerals.
- Treating an illness that led to DKA. For example, receiving antibiotic treatment for an infection.
Conclusion
DKA is a serious health issue that can develop in 24 hours. It often happens as a result of uncontrolled diabetes. If you develop nausea or start vomiting, you can develop the condition more quickly. It’s critical to talk to a healthcare specialist if you believe to be at risk of DKA.