Other Names
DKA, Ketoacidosis
Definition
It is a complication of diabetes that occurs when there is no availability of sugar (glucose) as energy source for the body and instead uses fat. Byproducts of the metabolism of fat, called ketones, accumulate in the body.
Causes, incidence and risk factors
People with type 1 diabetes lack sufficient insulin, a hormone the body uses to process sugar (glucose) to obtain energy. When glucose is not available, body fat is metabolized into place.
The byproducts of fat metabolism are ketones and acids, which accumulate in the blood when fat is metabolized. When blood is more acidic than normal, a condition called ketoacidosis.
Blood glucose levels are elevated, usually above 300 mg / dL, because the liver produces glucose to try to combat the problem, however, that cells can not absorb glucose without insulin.
Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to the initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, as is often the first symptom that makes a person seek medical attention. You may also be the result of increased insulin needs in someone who already has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In such cases, an infection, trauma, heart attack or surgery can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis present. Skipping doses of insulin may also lead to ketoacidosis in people with diabetes.
People with type 2 diabetes can develop ketoacidosis, but is rare. It is usually triggered by a severe illness. Hispanics and African Americans appear to be more likely to develop ketoacidosis as a complication of type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
* Fatigue
* Frequent urination or frequent thirst for a day or more
* Encourage fruit (bad breath)
* Mental stupor that can progress to become a coma
* Muscle pain or stiffness
* Nausea and vomiting
* Breathing fast
* Shortness of breath
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
* Abdominal pain
* Difficulty breathing when lying
* Decreased appetite
* Loss of consciousness
* Headache
Signs and tests
* Arterial blood gases
* High glycemia
* Low blood pressure
* Heart Rate Rapid
* Presence of glucose and ketones in the urine by means of tests at home or in the office
* Heart Rate Rapid
* High serum amylase
* High serum potassium
* Signs of dehydration
This disease can also affect the results of the following tests:
* CO2
* Collection of cerebrospinal fluid
* Potassium urine
* Serum Magnesium
* Serum Phosphorus
* Serum sodium
* Sodium urine
* PH of urine
Treatment
The goals of treatment are to correct the high blood glucose levels through the administration of more insulin, as well as replenish the fluids lost through urination and excessive vomiting. One may be able to recognize the early warning signs and take appropriate corrective action in the home, before the disease progresses.
If ketoacidosis is severe, it will be necessary to go to the hospital where they will:
* Administer insulin
* Replace fluids and electrolytes
* Find and treat the cause of the disorder (such as an infection)
Expectations (prognosis)
Acidosis can lead to serious illness or death. Improved therapy for young people with diabetes has decreased the mortality rate from this disease, however, remains a significant risk to the elderly and for people who fall into a coma when treatment is delayed.
Complications
* Collection of fluid in the brain (cerebral edema)
* Heart attack and death of intestinal tissue due to low blood pressure
* Renal
Situations requiring medical assistance
This condition can become a medical emergency. Call your doctor if you notice the early symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number if you experience:
* Loss of consciousness
* Shortness of breath
* Breath with fruity odor
* Mental stupor
* Nausea
* Vomiting
Prevention
People with diabetes must learn to recognize signs and symptoms preliminary warning ketoacidosis. Measurement of urine ketones in people with infections or in patients with insulin pump therapy can provide more information than glucose measurements alone.
It is necessary that users of the insulin pump review frequently to see that insulin is still flowing through the tube and no obstructions, faults or disconnections.
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