Understanding DKA warning signs -
You might also try a urine ketone test kit you can get at a drugstore. Sugar is a main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. Insulin helps sugar enter the cells in the body. Without enough insulin, the body can't use sugar to make the energy it needs.
This causes the release of hormones that break down fat for the body to use as fuel. This also produces acids known as ketones. Ketones build up in the blood and eventually spill over into the urine.
Sometimes, diabetic ketoacidosis can occur with type 2 diabetes. In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis may be the first sign of having diabetes.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated with fluids, electrolytes — such as sodium, potassium and chloride — and insulin. Perhaps surprisingly, the most common complications of diabetic ketoacidosis are related to this lifesaving treatment.
Diabetes complications are scary. But don't let fear keep you from taking good care of yourself. Follow your diabetes treatment plan carefully. Ask your diabetes treatment team for help when you need it. On this page. When to see a doctor.
Risk factors. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes. A Book: The Essential Diabetes Book. Assortment of Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store. Symptoms might include: Being very thirsty Urinating often Feeling a need to throw up and throwing up Having stomach pain Being weak or tired Being short of breath Having fruity-scented breath Being confused More-certain signs of diabetic ketoacidosis — which can show up in home blood and urine test kits — include: High blood sugar level High ketone levels in urine.
You have ketones in your urine and can't reach your health care provider for advice. You have many symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis. These include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, and confusion.
Remember, untreated diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to death. Request an appointment. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.
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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Diabetic ketoacidosis usually happens after: An illness. An infection or other illness can cause the body to make higher levels of certain hormones, such as adrenaline or cortisol.
These hormones work against the effects of insulin and sometimes cause diabetic ketoacidosis. Pneumonia and urinary tract infections are common illnesses that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. A problem with insulin therapy. Missed insulin treatments can leave too little insulin in the body.
Not enough insulin therapy or an insulin pump that doesn't work right also can leave too little insulin in the body. Any of these problems can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Other things that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis include: Physical or emotional trauma Heart attack or stroke Pancreatitis Pregnancy Alcohol or drug misuse, particularly cocaine Certain medicines, such as corticosteroids and some diuretics.
The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis is highest if you: Have type 1 diabetes Often miss insulin doses Sometimes, diabetic ketoacidosis can occur with type 2 diabetes.
Possible complications of the treatments Treatment complications include: Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. Insulin allows sugar to enter cells. This causes the blood sugar level to drop.
If the blood sugar level drops too quickly, the drop can lead to low blood sugar. Low potassium, also known as hypokalemia. The fluids and insulin used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis can cause the potassium level to drop too low.
A low potassium level can affect the heart, muscles and nerves. To avoid this, potassium and other minerals are usually given with fluid replacement as part of the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Swelling in the brain, also known as cerebral edema. Adjusting the blood sugar level too quickly can cause the brain to swell. This appears to be more common in children, especially those with newly diagnosed diabetes.
Untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to loss of consciousness and, eventually, death. There are many ways to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis and other diabetes complications. Manage your diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. Take diabetes medicines or insulin as directed.
Monitor your blood sugar level. You might need to check and record your blood sugar level at least 3 to 4 times a day, or more often if you're ill or stressed. Careful monitoring is the only way to make sure that your blood sugar level stays within your target range. Adjust your insulin dosage as needed.
Talk to your health care provider or diabetes educator about how to make your insulin dosage work for you. Consider factors such as your blood sugar level, what you eat, how active you are, and whether you're ill.
If your blood sugar level begins to rise, follow your diabetes treatment plan to return your blood sugar level to your target range. Check your ketone level. I Decline I Agree. Skip to content Diabetic Ketoacidosis DKA : Symptoms and Prevention Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA is a serious condition in which an insulin-deprived body seeks energy from stored fat.
Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis DKA. T1D Symptoms Frequent Urination Extreme Thirst Blood Sugar Levels Children Adults Diabetic Ketoacidosis DKA. Stick to your diabetes management routine that you discussed with your diabetes care team.
If you have ketones, please contact your health care provider immediately for instructions on what to do or seek emergency care , Anyone living type 1 diabetes and their caregivers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis DKA. Ketones and How to Check for Them If you have T1D or you are a caregiver for someone with T1D, you should have ketone testing supplies on hand to check for ketones.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis Understanding DKA warning signs is a serious condition in which an insulin-deprived body seeks energy sitns stored fat. When Understanding DKA warning signs build up, DDKA result is acidosis Understanding DKA warning signs much acid in eigns blood. If not treated, this can warnng to death. This article will help Diabetic retinopathy prevention be aware of the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis DKAwhat signs to look for and how to prevent it. Anyone living type 1 diabetes and their caregivers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis DKA. Especially for people who are recently diagnosedit is important to understand this complication and the ways to look out for and prevent it. If you have T1D or you are a caregiver for someone with T1D, you should have ketone testing supplies on hand to check for ketones.
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