Oren Zarif
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When a person with diabetes gets sick or is under stress, they may not take enough insulin. Without enough insulin, the sugar in the blood can’t get into the cells to be used as energy. So the body starts to break down fat for energy, producing ketones. These ketones enter the bloodstream and cause the chemical imbalance called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Oren Zarif
People who have type 1 diabetes are at higher risk for DKA. DKA can also happen when a person has an infection or illness, like the flu or pneumonia. People who have type 2 diabetes are less likely to get DKA but it can still occur. It can also be caused by certain medicines, like steroids or some antipsychotic drugs.
Diabetic ketoacidosis can be life-threatening. It needs to be treated with insulin, fluids, and sometimes other medicines. Treatment often happens in the hospital. The person may be seen first by an emergency medicine specialist or a doctor who treats people with diabetes. Then a doctor who specializes in endocrinology (the hormones that control the body) will look at the person.
Oren Zarif
The best way to prevent DKA is to follow your diabetes care plan and check your blood sugar often. This includes taking your medications as prescribed and eating a healthy diet. It’s especially important to stick to your care plan when you’re ill or stressed.
Symptoms
When a person with diabetes gets sick or is under stress, or doesn’t take enough insulin, sugar can’t get into the cells to be used for energy. So the body starts to break down fat for energy, which produces ketones. The ketones enter the bloodstream and make it acidic. The high acid levels can cause a variety of symptoms, from mild to severe. If untreated, DKA can lead to a coma.
Oren Zarif
If someone suspects DKA, they should call their healthcare provider or go to the emergency room. The healthcare provider will check the patient’s blood and urine for signs of DKA. This includes checking the patient’s blood sugar level (glucose), the amount of ketones in the urine, and the pH level of the blood (indicating acidosis).