What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Category: Illness
Keywords: diabetic, ketoacidosis

Diabetes is a dangerous disease, not only because of the disease itself, but because of the conditions and complications that may accompany it. More diabetics will die as a result of these conditions and complications because they too often go untreated.

One of these dangerous conditions that may inflict a diabetic is known as diabetic ketoacidosis. This term simply means hyperglycemia, or having an abnormally high sugar level for an extended period of time. Most people who develop diabetic ketoacidosis are those who may not even be aware they have diabetes mellitus, more commonly referred to as "sugar diabetes." Those who are aware of their condition usually develop diabetes ketoacidosis because they fail to take their insulin.

It is important for anyone with a family history of diabetes to have regular physical examinations with an eye out for the development of diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes, and who are dependent on insulin should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels as they are the ones most prone to getting diabetic ketoacidosis. It is better for a diabetic to take the extra time necessary to closely monitor their condition, rather than risk their becoming inflicted with conditions related to diabetes like diabetic ketoacidosis, which is considered a deadly condition.

A diabetic being unable to process the glucose needed by the body to produce energy, must take insulin to aid their glucose requirement. Should they fail to take the necessary insulin their body fats will begin to break down for the conversion to energy. It is this state that will bring the development of diabetic ketoacidosis.

A diabetic who disregards the intake of insulin will develop very high sugar levels. Should this condition be allowed to continue for an extended period of time, the diabetic may lapse into unconsciousness, or even fall into a coma. The diabetic must also watch out for any injury, or illnesses that may include a serious infection. This type of complication can also lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.

Some symptoms of a high blood sugar level would include rapid breathing, drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, loss of appetite, or vomiting. Serious diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to cerebral edema.

Children and adolescents are among those who are most prone to be stricken with cerebral edema. Regular monitoring of their blood sugar levels is very important.

Many times these symptoms are not easily observed unless the diabetic undergoes laboratory tests to confirm the existence of diabetic ketoacidosis.

A person with the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis requires immediate treatment. Early treatment with insulin, and other medications can return the diabetics sugar level to a safe point. However, this may take some time.

Getting diabetic ketoacidosis can be the diabetics worst nightmare. Prevention is key! Having regular medical check ups, and maintaining proper care, especially when the diabetic is ill, even with the simple flu, will go a long way in helping to prevent this serious complication.

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