Common Causes and Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis involves a deficiency in insulin and therefore is seen in someone with Type I Diabetes. This can be brought on by hyperglycemia, metabolism problems, and dehydration. This is a serious condition that can result in death. Approximately two percent of people suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis die from it.  It's important to understand as much as you can about DKA and seek treatment as soon as possible.

One of the most common causes of diabetic ketoacidosis is infection. The second most common cause is the absence of regular insulin treatments. Failure to properly hydrate the body during diabetic ketoacidosis can result in coma and death!

Here’s a little bit of background! Diabetes is the result of the body not being able to break down sugar. Since insulin is what manages the sugar level in the body, diabetics lack the ability to produce insulin. When there is no sugar and no insulin, then the body must begin to utilize fat as a source of energy. When fats are broken down by the body the resulting by-product are keytones. Diabetic ketoacidtosis develops when the keytones become highly acidic.

Some of the symptoms of ketoacidosis include lethargy, nausea, muscular aches, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, high heart rate, and dehydration. If you consult your health care provider, he or she will inform you of other symptoms and signs associated with this condition. One thing you will want to do is monitor your urine for ketones, especially when you get sick or dehydrated.

If not treated, the body can suffer kidney failure, heart attacks, and other harmful outcomes. In order to prevent this condition from manifesting, one should learn the signs of ketoacidosis.

If you are a diabetic it would be wise to consult your health care provider and learn about what your limits may be. In addition, you should find out how to keep yourself properly maintained so that you can avoid ketoacidosis.