General weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and even not being able to wake up no matter how you scream, if your family members have such a situation, be careful that it is “ketoacidosis”. What is ketoacidosis? How to stop it?
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Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes, usually most common in people with type 1 diabetes, but can also occur in 10-30% of people with type 2 diabetes, and may not even be diagnosed until that ketoacidosis occurs for diabetes.
9 Best Symptoms of Ketoacidosis
The initial symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis usually progress slowly, and the early symptoms will be “very thirsty and urinating a lot more than usual”.but more serious symptoms can develop quickly if left untreated:
- feeling sick and vomiting
- stomach pain
- weak, tired
- shortness of breath
- fruity smell on exhale
- confusion
- headache
- muscle stiffness or pain
- dry skin and mouth
The diagnostic criteria for diabetic ketoacidosis include the following three items:Hyperglycaemia (blood sugar greater than 250 mg/dL), metabolic acidaemia (arterial blood bicarbonate <15mmol/L, pH <7.3) and ketone body reaction in blood and urine. However, there is also a small number of diabetic ketoacidosis without symptoms of hyperglycemia, so normal blood sugar levels cannot rule out diabetic ketoacidosis.
The reason is that blood sugar cannot enter the cells, the body produces ketones as a backup fuel
When there is not enough insulin in the body, blood sugar cannot enter the cells to be used, and the body will start to break down fat as fuel. At this time, “ketone bodies” will is produced in the blood, and then excreted through urine. Therefore, when ketone bodies appear in the urine, it means that there is a problem with the use of cellular energy. When ketone bodies continue to accumulate in the blood and produce ketoacidosis, symptoms of discomfort will appear, and even coma and death occur.
Usually this happens in“High blood sugar, low insulin” conditions, such as an increase in certain insulin-resistant hormones in the body due to infection (common in pneumonia and urethritis), problems with the timing and dosage of insulin injections, or alcohol and drug abusewait
Prevention of ketoacidosis with blood sugar control as the main goal
There are many ways to prevent other complications of diabetic ketoacidosis:
- diabetes management: Diabetes management is closely linked to diet,What cannot be ignored at this point is the total “carbohydrates”, that is, how much of all the starches and refined sugars.and use insulin and medicines correctly as directed.
(Read reference: The key to reversing blood sugar! How to prevent diabetes? How to regulate it from a diet? Nutritionists share the main points of a diet and 3 big taboos) - get enough water: When the blood sugar is high, the body tends to excrete too much water. Sufficient water can help maintain water balance, avoid dehydration, and increase the excretion of ketone bodies through urine.
- Monitor blood sugar and urine ketones: Monitor and record blood sugar 3-4 times a day If you are ill or feeling stressed, you need to check more often to ensure your blood sugar is controlled within the target range If remains greater than 300 mg/dL, seek immediate medical attention. When the blood sugar is too high (> 240 mg/dL), ill, infected, or if you have suspected symptoms of ketoacidosis, you can buy ketone urine test strips from the pharmacy to find out if the ketone urine too high. standard value, seek medical help immediately.
- Do not modify medication or insulin without authorization: Discuss with your doctor how to adjust your medication and insulin according to your diet and activity, and take your medication as prescribed even if you feel well.
If you have more dietary problems, seek personal help from a nutritionist to avoid ketoacidosis.
Text/Wu Yiting, Photos/Lei Siyu
1. KETOACIDOSIS. STATPEARLS PUBLISHING, 2022
2. Diabetic Ketoacidosis – CDC
3. Diabetic ketoacidosis – Mayo Clinic
4. Diabetic Ketoacidosis – Chiayi Christian Hospital
Further reading:
WHO warns: Using sugar substitutes to lose weight can reduce diabetes! Nutritionist shares 4 ways to reduce sugar addiction
Which drinks are suitable for diabetes? BMJ latest research: “these 4” drinks can replace sugary drinks and reduce deaths!
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This article is authorized to be reprinted from “Heho Health”, the original text is: How to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis? Pay attention to vomiting and fruity breath! Causes, symptoms, and prevention
