Ketoacidosis
This page will help you prepare and act correctly to manage ketoacidosis.
When DoesKetoacidosisOccur?
Ketoacidosis is a serious complication of high blood sugar (glucose) levels. It occurs when there is an elevated level of glucose inthe blood due to insufficient insulin, making it difficult to use glucose as an energy source. In this situation, the body usesfats as an energy source instead of glucose, leading to the production of ketone bodies in the blood, and causing ketoacidosis.
Ketoacidosis commonly occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes and rarely in those with type 2 diabetes.
- Ketoacidosis usually happens due to:
- Illness: When a diabetic person is ill, the body releases a hormone to combat theillness, resulting in a rise in blood sugar levels that might be difficult to control..
- Failing to follow the insulin treatment plan for diabetes patients.
- Skipping doses.
- Skipping essential meals, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Pregnancy in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
- Physical injuries, such as a car accident.
Certain medications, like some diuretics and corticosteroids, if the treatment plan is not adhered to.
What Arethe Symptomsof Ketoacidosis?
- The symptoms of ketoacidosis can indicate diabetes and resemble those of high blood sugar, including:
- Frequent urination.
- Breath that smells like acetone or rotten fruit.
- Extreme thirst, dry skin,and dry mouth.
- Headaches, nausea, accompanied by stomach pain.
Muscle aches.
- How to Handle It?
- Check blood sugar (glucose) levels. If they exceed 240 mg/dL, check for ketones by:
Urine Ketone Testing:
Special strips are available to measure ketone levels in urine. Dip one into the sample, remove it, and gently shake off any excess. The strip’s color will change after a set period, and the color should be compared with the chart provided with the strips’ packaging.
Testing with a Glucometer:
Some glucometers can measure both bloodmmol/Lsugar (glucose) and ketones in themmol/Lblood through a prick usingmmol/Lspecial strips for testing ketones.
- A ketone level between 1.6 mmol/L and 2.9 mmol/L indicates a moderate risk, while 3 mmol/L or higher signals a high risk of ketoacidosis.
- To reduce ketone levels in the body, it is recommended to:
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as calorie-free options like water.
- Follow the corrective doses prescribed by your doctor.
- Take medications prescribed by your doctor to manage illness-related symptoms.
- Rest.
- It is advised to measure ketone levels in the body every 4-6 hours.
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- Head to the Nearest Emergency Center:
- If you experience symptoms of ketoacidosis.
- If tests show high ketone levels that continue to rise.
- If blood sugar (glucose) levels are high and continue to rise.
- If you develop symptoms of ketoacidosis.
Avoid any physical exertion if you have ketoacidosis.
Ketoacidosis is a critical condition that a diabetic patient may experience, so call the emergency number in your country or head to the nearest emergency center immediately if ketoacidosis occurs.
Emergency Numbers in the Gulf States:
– Oman: 9999.
– Saudi Arabia: 997.
– Kuwait: 112.
– Qatar: 999.
– UAE: 998.
– Bahrain: 999.
