Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition that can result in coma or even death. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the levels of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream of the diabetic patient are very high.

In this process, insulin (glucose) is a source of energy that our body needs. When there is an absence of this substance in our organism, one of the alternatives that the body finds is to use the fat stock to produce the energy that they lack. Thus, this process causes a large accumulation of substances known as ketone bodies, which are understood as acids that accumulate in the blood and appear in the urine.

High levels of ketone bodies can poison our body. When levels are high enough, you have diabetic ketoacidosis. this is a case of medical emergency and orders to be treated immediately.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is most commonly caused in patients with type 1 diabetes, but it can also occur in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Signs and symptoms

Diabetic ketoacidosis builds up slowly, and early symptoms can include:

1. Thirst or very dry mouth;
2. frequent urination;
3. High blood glucose level;
4. High levels of ketones in the urine.

Then other symptoms may appear:

1. Frequent tiredness;
2. Dry or flushed skin;
3. Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain;
4. Difficulties in breathing;
5. Fruit odor on the breath;
6. Difficulties concentrating.

Risks and Complications

Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) can occur if your blood sugar level drops too low and too quickly, and even with treatment of ketoacidosis, hypoglycaemia can develop.

It is thought that low potassium (hypokalemia) where the fluids and insulin used when caring for diabetic ketoacidosis may cause the potassium level to drop. A low level of potassium can cause enormous damage to the actions of the heart, muscles and nerves.

At the same time, swelling in the brain (cerebral oedema) may also occur. Adjusting your blood sugar level too quickly can lead to brain swelling. This complication seems to be more easily related in children, especially those with newly diagnosed diabetes.

Therefore, diabetic ketoacidosis is a conditional illness that is serious and may result in coma or even death.

Diagnóstico

The test to diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis is with a urine sample, that is, one of the first steps in diagnosing diabetic ketoacidosis is the uric test. In addition, blood glucose levels should be tested in the same way as the uric test. Other tests that may be prescribed:

1. Blood potassium analysis test;
2. Arterial Gasometry Examination;
3. Blood amylase test when calculating pancreatic assignment;Chest X-ray when looking for references of an infection such as pneumonia

Treatment

The best way to treat diabetic ketoacidosis includes a combination of several approaches, one of which is aimed at normalizing blood sugar and insulin levels. If ketoacidosis is diagnostic of an infection or disease, you will also receive a way to treat its complications, which will occur more easily by observing the following:

1. Fluid replacement in which liquids are ordered to be replaced. In the hospital environment, the medical team will probably administer fluids orally or intravenously. In this process, by replacing the fluid that is commonly lost with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis. Fluid replacement is likewise helpful in diluting the amount of sugar in the blood;
2. Insulin therapy is essential, as insulin will likely be best given intravenously until the blood sugar level can drop to 240 mg/dL or less. When blood sugar levels remain within an acceptable range, the patient will return to their regular insulin routine;
   Electrolyte replacement will occur when insulin levels are below normal, and must involve the manufacture of electrolytes in your body. Electrolytes are understood to be the electrically charged minerals that help serve the nerves and heart. The replacement of these electrolytes
3. occurs in the same way as insulin, being naturally introduced due to the intravenous route.

Anyway, it is necessary to be careful not to have the development of this disease, being necessary that each person can regularly carry out tests in order to identify whether or not they have diabetes, and this is the first step, being diagnosed still in its pre-phase, it becomes easier to avoid all these types of diseases.