 |
| Diabetic Ketoacidosis |
Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur in type 1 and 2 diabetes. Diabetes ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes that causes the body to produce an acid called ketone. This condition is caused because the body can not produce enough insulin. Insulin has a function to help sugar (glucose) into the cell. Insulin deficiency causes the body to break down fat as a fuel to form energy. Ketones are chemicals that the body creates when breaking down fat. When ketones accumulate in the blood it causes the blood to become more acidic.
High levels of ketones can poison the body. When ketone levels are too high it can lead to diabetes ketoacidosis. It is necessary to monitor blood sugar levels and understand the signs of increased ketone levels.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis in general develops slowly, the initial symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis are:
Easy thirst or mouth feels dry
The frequency of urine increases
High blood sugar levels
High urine ketone levels
The signs and symptoms that develop are:
Quickly feel tired
The skin becomes dry or flushed
Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
Breathing trouble
Breath-like sweet breath
Difficult to concentrate
The cause of diabetes ketoacidosis
Sugar is the main source of energy for cells that make up muscles and other tissues. Insulin has the function of helping sugar to enter the cells. Without adequate insulin, the cells in the body do not get enough sugar to form energy. Because it is to gain energy the body encourages the release of hormones that break down fats as fuel and produce acids known as ketones. Here are the most common causes of ketone buildup:
The body does not produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs.
Not getting enough food intake
Decreased blood sugar levels.
The occurrence of infections or other diseases (eg: pneumonia and urinary tract infections) can cause the body to produce certain higher hormones such as adrenaline or cortisol. These hormones work against the action of insulin and sometimes trigger the occurrence of diabetes ketoacidosis.
Diabetes risk factors ketoacidosis
Here are the risk factors that can increase the risk of ketoacidosis diabetes:
Have type 1 diabetes
Often skip the use of insulin
Diabetic complication of ketoacidosis
Diabetes ketoacidosis therapy is to use insulin therapy, fluids and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride. Complications in diabetic ketoacidosis are caused by fluid therapy performed, such as:
Decreased blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Insulin administration can allow sugar to enter cells that can cause blood sugar levels to drop.
Decreased levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
Liquid and insulin therapy used for the treatment of diabetes ketoacidosis can reduce potassium levels. Decreased levels of potassium can interfere with the work of the heart, muscles, and nerves.
Brain swelling
Treatment of ketoacidosis diabetes
Consult your doctor for appropriate treatment therapies such as fluid therapy, electrolytes and insulin.
Prevention of diabetes ketoacidosis
There are several efforts that can be done to prevent the occurrence of ketoacidosis diabetes:
Maintain blood sugar levels
Changing your diet becomes healthier and performs physical activity. Consume diabetes drugs or insulin regularly.
Monitor blood sugar levels
Conducting blood sugar levels regularly 3-4 times a day.
Use insulin in accordance with doctor's recommendations.
Monitor levels of ketones in the body
Immediately go to the ER if the signs and symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis begin to appear.
Maintaining the stability of blood sugar levels and regular consultation with doctors is the key to prevention of ketoacidosis diabetes.
Source:
American Diabetes Association. (2015, March 18). DKA (Ketoacidosis) and Ketones. Retrieved 03 October 2017 from: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/ketoacidosis-dka.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
Mayo Clinic. (2015, 21 August). Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Retrieved 03 October 2017 from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/basics/prevention/con-20026470http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/basics/prevention/con-20026470