Diabetic Ketoacidosis Symptoms

Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms arise without any warning signs in those suffering most commonly from type 1 diabetes, and even for those who have type 2 diabetes. This happens when there is a very small amount of insulin or the absence of it, in the body, for use. Hyperglycemia, which is a condition where sugar levels in the blood are high, rises to an even higher level that is dangerous. So what is diabetic ketoacidosis exactly? It is a fatal condition that comes about when the body isn't receiving enough energy from cells, due to glucose production restrictions by the body. This in turn makes the body break down fat, including muscles, in order to get that energy it longs for. When this takes place, ketones (fatty acids) enter the blood stream, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Here you'll find out about the symptoms, along with ways to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Symptoms

This is the list of symptoms that one can experience, or those with DKA are likely to go through. Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms in children, encompass the same, although in addition to them, he/she will mostly experience abdominal pain and lack of interest in activities like playing or being actively involved with friends/classmates.

• Overwhelming feeling of nausea
• Bouts of vomiting
• Breathing is rapid
• Some feel like it is difficult to breathe
• Breath smells fruity
• An odor emanates from one's breath
• Pain in the abdomen
• Feeling confused
• Pulse quickens
• One can slip into a coma
• Feeling drowsy and lethargic
• Feeling thirsty
• Blurred vision
• Losing one's appetite
• Difficulty in waking up
• Dry skin appearance
• Feeling flushed with a lot of body heat
• If you experience vomiting, get in touch with your medical practitioner immediately
• Fever (above 101 F or 38.3 C) is an important symptom to look out for, this needs medical attention as well
• If ketone levels are high or moderate, contact your doctor
• If symptoms reach to a critical level, contact your doctor immediately, and get yourself admitted into a hospital
• Chest pain

How to Prevent Diabetic Ketoacidosis

There are ways in which one can prevent DKA from taking place, by taking certain precautions when one is sick with diabetes.

• Be prepared if you fall sick, and come up with a diagnostic plan of how to monitor yourself/others.
• When ill, check blood sugar levels every 2 - 4 hours.
• Check for ketones in your urine, if blood sugar gets too high (250mg/dl and above).
• Don't avoid taking your everyday insulin medication, even if you are on an empty stomach.
• Drink sugar-free juices and decaffeinated drinks.
• Keep a trusted doctor's contact number with you, in case of emergency.
• Even if you feel sick, and don't want to eat, keep drinking liquids.
• Avoid foods and drinks high in carbohydrates, when sugar levels are above 250mg/dl.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Treatment

The treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, requires the following when one's condition reaches a point that poses as a cause for concern.

• Insulin is administered through the IV (intravenously), which is the first important step in treating patients with DKA.
• This helps in balancing electrolytes, eliminating dehydration, lowering blood acid levels and restoring normal sugar levels. Fluids are then given to the patient, and in adequate quantities in order to avoid cerebral edema, which is brain swelling.
• Insulin has to be given in small doses, and not all at once to help stabilize tissue functioning, by replacing potassium deposits in cells.
• Those suffering from mild acidosis, with little loss in electrolytes and fluids, can drink liquids and sent home with instructions of dos and don'ts.
• Those with severe DKA, are usually admitted into the ICU, and need constant attention and care.
• Hypoglycemia can take place, so constantly administering insulin is important to avoid it from happening.

Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms are easy to spot, but needs to be identified and treated in time. Make sure you check the health records of your family history, to see if others in your family may have had diabetes in the past. If so, manage your diet plan accordingly to help you stay clear from reaching that point of getting pre diabetes and DKA. Have a healthy tomorrow.