INSTRUCTIONS OF DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes, mainly type 1 Diabetes (independent diabetes mellitus), that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.
The condition develops when your body cannot produce enough insulin or if you are not using required insulin as instructed by your doctor.
Insulin normally plays a key role in helping sugar (glucose) — a major source of energy for your muscles and other tissues — enter your cells. Without enough insulin, your body begins to break down fat as fuel. This process produces and buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones, eventually leading to diabetic ketoacidosis if untreated.
Signs and Symptoms
Diabetic ketoacidosis signs and symptoms often develop quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. For some, these signs and symptoms may be the first indication of having diabetes. You may notice:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Fruity-scented breath
- Confusion
- High blood sugar level (hyperglycemia)
- High ketone levels in your urine
Prevention
- Commit to managing your diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. Take oral diabetes medications or insulin as directed.
- Monitor your blood sugar level. You might need to check and record your blood sugar level at least three to four times a day and more often if you are ill or under stress. Careful monitoring is the only way to make sure your blood sugar level remains within your target range.
- Adjust your insulin dosage as needed. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about how to adjust your insulin dose.
- Keep a list of medication and bring it on the follow-up visit or in case of coming to emergency room.
Come to emergency room in case if
- Your blood sugar level is consistently higher than 250 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) with presence of ketones in urine.
- Have seizure.
- You have ketones in your urine and cannot reach your doctor for advice.
- You have multiple signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, confusion).
- Have symptoms of dehydration, such as dark yellow urine, dry mouth and lips, and dry skin.
- Your urine ketone level is moderate or high.
- Remember, untreated diabetic ketoacidosis can be fatal.
Follow up with the outpatient clinic (………………) within (……………….) or in case if
- You are vomiting and unable to tolerate food or liquid.
- Your blood sugar level is higher than your target range despite adhering to proper diet and medication use.
- Recurrent presence of ketones.
- You have concerns about your condition.
Causes
Diabetic ketoacidosis is usually triggered by:
- An illness/infection such as urinary tract infection or pneumonia
- A problem with insulin therapy. Missed insulin treatments or inadequate insulin therapy can leave you with too little insulin in your system, triggering diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Heart attack
- Excessive consumption of sweets and carbohydrates
- Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and some diuretics
