Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes that arises in cases of uncontrolled blood sugar, especially in type 1 diabetes. In this way, the body is not able to use excess glucose and, therefore, it obtains energy from the fat, causing the formation of ketone bodies, which are substances that make the blood more acidic.

Generally, diabetic ketoacidosis arises when the treatment of diabetes is not done properly or when other problems arise with infections or vascular diseases, such as an infarction.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is curable and its treatment should be started as soon as possible in the hospital. Therefore, when the first symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis arise, it is important to take the patient to the emergency room or call an ambulance, calling the doctor.

Treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis

Treatment for metabolic ketoacidosis should be started as soon as possible while in hospital, as it is necessary to inject serum and insulin directly into the vein to replenish the minerals and to properly hydrate the patient.

In addition, it is necessary to properly treat diabetes with insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels below 240 mg / dL.

Patient discharge usually takes about 2 days, and at home the patient must maintain the prescribed insulin program during hospitalization and eat balanced meals every 3 hours to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis from recurring. Learn how diet should be in: What to eat in diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis usually include:

Feeling of intense thirst and dry mouth;
Frequent urge to urinate;
Acne-smelling breath;
Tiredness and weakness;
Breathing shallow and fast;
Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting;
Mental confusion.

In these cases, it is recommended, if possible, to prick the finger and assess the blood sugar level with a glucometer, and if it is higher than 300 mg / dL, it is recommended to go to the emergency room immediately or call an ambulance, calling to the 192.