Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a critical complication of diabetes. It happens when a scarcity of insulin causes acidosis and electrolyte imbalance within the blood, which may be life-threatening.
DKA is extra widespread in folks with kind 1 diabetes, however it will probably additionally happen in folks with kind 2 diabetes. Within the absence of insulin, or inadequate insulin, the physique begins to interrupt down fats and muscle, producing ketone our bodies for power as a substitute.
Excessive concentrations of ketones acidify the blood, inflicting signs resembling nausea, vomiting, fruity breath, mind fog, elevated coronary heart charge, and problem respiratory.
Excessive blood sugar ranges trigger you to urinate excessively, leaking sugar into your urine. This causes lack of fluid within the physique and dehydration, in addition to lack of important electrolytes resembling sodium and potassium, StatPearls explains.
Insulin can also be important for channeling potassium into the physique’s cells, so with out insulin, potassium ranges can turn into very excessive. In keeping with the Nationwide Kidney Basis (NKF), ranges of one other electrolyte, bicarbonate, additionally drop because the physique tries to compensate for overly acidic blood.
In keeping with the American Diabetes Affiliation, DKA may be deadly and is most frequently handled within the hospital as a result of the complicated electrolyte imbalances can’t be managed at dwelling. If you happen to or another person is experiencing signs of DKA, instantly contact your physician, go to the emergency room, or name 911.
