Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication that can even lead to death if it isn’t managed.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication that affects people with diabetes, even if they don’t know that they have it.

Causes and risk factors of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

• Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when there isn’t enough insulin in the body, which is important in turning sugar into energy for the body, and due to that, the body starts to use fat as an energy source, and as the liver dissolves the fat, it releases ketones into the bloodstream, which then build up in the body and cause diabetes-related ketoacidosis.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis mostly occurs after an illness that causes increased levels of certain hormones like cortisol or adrenaline. Adding to that, pneumonia and urinary tract infections are known to cause diabetes-related ketoacidosis.
• The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis increases due to the following factors: physical or emotional distress, pregnancy, pancreatitis, stroke, heart attack, heavy alcohol consumption, drug misuse, and certain medications (like corticosteroids and diuretics).

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

• Early symptoms of diabetes-related ketoacidosis: extreme thirst, intense hunger, increased urination, dehydration symptoms, and elevated blood sugar.
• Severe symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis: nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid and deep breath, fruity-smelling breath, tiredness and weakness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to brain swelling, fluid inside the lungs, decreased blood sugar, very low potassium levels, cardiac arrest, damage to the kidney and other organs, coma, and death.

Diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.

Treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

• Fluids and electrolyte replacement.
• Insulin.
• Managing other problems.
• The risk of DKA can be prevented by checking the blood sugar regularly, adjusting insulin dosages as needed, checking the ketone levels, and being educated about the condition to be ready to act immediately if anything happens.