Recognizing the risks and warning signs related to your condition is crucial to managing any disease. For individuals with diabetes, one potential complication is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be very dangerous if left untreated.
What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
DKA is a very serious and life-threatening complication that can arise when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. In the absence of insulin production, your body is unable to transport blood sugar into your cells, which is their primary source of energy. Without access to this energy, the body’s cells compensate for the lack of fuel by breaking down fat in the liver to make ketones, an acid that can build up to dangerous levels if left unregulated.
While DKA is most common for individuals with type 1 diabetes, those with type 2 diabetes can also develop the condition. In fact, for some individuals with diabetes, DKA is the first sign that they have the condition. Anyone with diabetes should be able to recognize the signs of DKA and know how to act quickly to avoid dangerous consequences. If left unaddressed, DKA can even be deadly.
What Causes Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Some of the most common causes of DKA in Type I Diabetes include:
Illness
Sickness or infections like pneumonia or UTIs could have an impact on your hormone balance, which could lead to abnormal insulin levels. Additionally, when we’re sick, we aren’t always able to control our eating due to nausea, sore throat, and other symptoms. Without food and drink, our body has a harder time regulating blood sugar.
Insulin Issue
More often than not, DKA is a result of a failed insulin pump (they may sometimes become clogged, produce inaccurate readings, or deliver the wrong insulin dosage) or missing/skipping insulin shots. Fortunately, with vigilance and an understanding of your disease, you can mitigate this from happening by following recommendations from diabetes experts.
Other things, including heart attack, stroke, trauma (both physical or emotional), pancreatitis, pregnancy, alcohol or drug use, and certain medications can also lead to DKA but are not as common. Those with type 1 diabetes who struggle with missed insulin doses are at higher risk for DKA and should be extra cautious.
Signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
All individuals with diabetes should know the signs of DKA in order to prevent dangerous complications. DKA can often develop without warning signs and progress at different speeds depending on the individual. Symptoms can vary from person to person but can include:
- Excessive thirst
- Stomach pain
- Frequent urination
- Fruity-scented breath
- Increased confusion
- Lethargy
- Shortness of breath
If you notice the signs of DKA, do not delay. Find emergency treatment immediately as DKA is a life-threatening condition.
Meet with a Registered Diabetes Educator in Hampton Roads, VA
Diabetes can often be an overwhelming and frustrating condition, with many possible complications if one does not adhere to a long-term care plan. This includes kidney failure, eye disease, nerve damage, and most commonly, heart attack and stroke. A Certified Diabetes Educator can help you understand the complexities of your condition, guide you with the right questions to ask, and equip you to become your own health advocate. Schedule an appointment with a Certified Diabetes Educator in Williamsburg, Newport News or Suffolk, VA.
About Gale Pearson, MS, RDN, CDCES
Gale Pearson, MS, RDN, CDCES is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 25 years of experience working with patients on dietary and nutrition wellness planning. Gale received her undergraduate degree from Hampton University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Howard University.
With extensive experience in nutrition counseling, Gale works with her patients to develop strategies to improve their eating habits and lifestyles, in turn helping them to manage their weight and medical conditions. She credits witnessing her patients’ symptoms and overall health improvement as a result of the lifestyle changes as one of the most gratifying and rewarding aspects of her career.
At TPMG Nutrition Services in Newport News and Williamsburg, Gale provides one-on-one consultations, nutrition and weight management counseling, and diabetes education.
