Diabetic Ketoacidosis occurs due to a lack of insulin or not enough insulin for to enable the body to use glucose as a source of fuel. The body will then resort to using fat as a fuel source and the resulting breakdown of the fat leaves ketones within the body. The build up of the ketones can lead to ketoacidosis since ketones are poisonous in high doses; ketones are highly acidic which can result in many symptoms. As a side note – people on high protein/low carb diets can also experience ketoacidosis if not enough carbohydrates are available for fuel. Some of the symptoms of ketoacidosis can be experienced by people on low-zero carb diets.
The symptoms of Diabetic ketoacidosis are numerous and may include bad breath, nausea, stomach pains, dry skin and more. these symptoms can eventually lead to dulled senses and decrease in consciousness and even coma. Someone with type 1 diabetes will be screen for diabetic ketoacidosis, but testing may also be used during pregnancy, if a patient is vomiting or constantly nauseous, if blood sugar levels are abnormally high and in the case of illness such as pneumonia.
Illness can release hormones into the body including adrenaline. Adrenaline and certain other hormones can work against insulin thus bringing about possible ketoacidosis since the insulin is not able to use the body’s glucose supply; remember, the insulin is what enables blood sugars to enter the cells and thus be burned as efficient fuel.
The treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis would involve the use of insulin to bring the blood sugar levels to within normal parameters and to replenish any lost fluids and electrolytes through vomiting or those lost through the urine. Diabetic ketoacidosis can be fatal if gone untreated, which is why people should always visit their medical care provider if symptoms arise.
Insulin as a therapy was not introduced until the 1920s, thus cases of diabetic ketoacidosis were often fatal. Missing insulin treatments if they are required, as in diabetes, could also bring on diabetic ketoacidosis as the insulin levels drop.
It is not just diabetics that can suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis. As we have seen, diabetic ketoacidosis can also occur in patients who have suffered from illnesses such as pneumonia or a stroke; people who have taken cocaine and younger people with eating disorders.
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