Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Warning Signs, Causes & Prevention

Overview of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

• Definition: A life-threatening complication of diabetes that leads to a diabetic coma or death.
• Cause: Occurs due to high levels of ketones in the blood, making it acidic.
• Mechanism: When cells lack glucose for energy, the body burns fat, producing ketones.
• Risk: Occurs mainly in people with diabetes, less common in type 2 diabetes.

Warning Signs of DKA

• Early Symptoms:
  • Thirst or dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • High blood glucose levels
  • High levels of ketones in urine
• Advanced Symptoms:
  • Constant fatigue
  • Dry or flushed skin
  • Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fruity odor on breath
  • Confusion or difficulty paying attention
• Action: Immediate medical attention is required if symptoms occur.

Checking for Ketones

• Method: Simple urine test using a test strip.
• When to Test:
  • Blood glucose >240 mg/dl
  • Illness (e.g., cold, flu) every 4-6 hours
  • When experiencing DKA symptoms
• High Ketone Levels:
  • Do not exercise if ketone levels are high.
  • Contact healthcare provider for guidance.

Causes of High Ketone Levels

1. Insufficient Insulin:
   • Not enough injected insulin or higher requirement due to illness.
2. Lack of Food:
   • Sickness or missed meals can raise ketone levels.
3. Insulin Reaction:
   • Possible overnight insulin reaction leading to morning high ketone levels.

Prevention and Management

• Monitoring: Regularly check blood glucose and urine ketones.
• Education: Understand symptoms and when to seek medical help.
• Consultation: Regularly consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice.

Additional Resources

• Device Technology: Advances in diabetes technology.
• Nutrition and Diet: Importance of healthy eating.
• Early Detection: Key to managing diabetes effectively.

By understanding and monitoring the signs and symptoms of DKA, individuals with diabetes can prevent life-threatening situations by seeking timely medical intervention and managing their condition effectively.