This is a complication of diabetes

Also referred to as DKA

It is more often seen in Type 1 but it also may occur in Type 2.

This is a serious and can be a life threatening aspect of diabetes.

Prior to insulin treatment of diabetes, DKA caused a large number of deaths related to diabetes.

When can it be seen?

   -    Is often seen in a patient who is unaware of their illness of diabetes.

   -    They often require an emergency visit and present with DKA

   -    May also be seen in someone who fails to take their prescribed insulin

   -    Can be seen with certain illnesses in a diabeteic such as: infection, pneumonia

Causes:

   -    High blood sugar
   -    Acidosis
   -    Large amount of ketone bodies

Often a minimal amount of insulin is present in the blood stream

Ketone Production:

   -    Occurs in low insulin situations

   -    Liver believes it is starving

   -    Liver will then produce ketone bodies for fuel

Symptoms:

   -    Fatigue
   -    Increase urination 
   -    Inability to drink enough water – always thirsty
   -    Fruity smell to breath
   -    Confusion
   -    Anger
   -    Vomiting
   -    Muscle pain
   -    Acidosis
   -    Blood pH drops
   -    Muscle wasting
   -    Weight loss

Late stage symptoms:

   -    Unconsciousness
   -    Extreme confusion
   -    Abdominal pain
   -    Vomiting (can occur in early stages as well)
   -    Difficulty or irrigular breathing (may be very deep)
   -    Death

Treatment

-   Hydration
-   Replacement of electrolytes
-   Hospital stay
-   Ventilation may be necessary
-   Intubation may be necessary
.        Insulin