Health & Medical Diseases & Conditions

Complications of Ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis is an emergency threatening the life of the patient. It routinely occurs in people with Type 1 diabetes, but also occurs in people with type 2 because of extreme stress or failure to fulfill or carry out appropriate treatment. This complication is due to the lack of insulin, a deficiency or inability to act properly, causing a disorder in our body: it loses stability in the levels of glucose (sugar), fats and proteins, causing high levels glucose (hyperglycemia) and the occurrence of ketosis and acidosis.

Ketoacidosis is a severe complication that could lead to so-called "diabetic coma) and characterized by a breath and skin odor similar to apple or vinegar.

Without enough insulin, glucose in the blood is can not get into the cells, clusters to levels of 250 mg or higher, thereby decreasing our energy. The body senses this deficiency and uses its reserves "extras", so the liver and muscle begin to produce glucose through various processes, but doing so will only grow hyperglycemia and not assimilation of glucose, which still continues to focus on stream blood by the lack of insulin.

As this increases the presence of so-called counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon, which is produced in the pancreas, catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that arise in the adrenal glands and cortisol and growth hormone originating in the pancreas. These hormones block the action of insulin and promote use of body fat to produce glucose. By degrading this fat for energy, the body produces waste called ketones.

Excess glucose begins to be expelled through urine, causing dehydration by taking water in its path and, therefore, electrolytes (sodium, calcium, potassium etc.). In turn, our body reacts to a dangerous state that promote acid and ketone bodies are expelled through the urine, something called ketonuria. Another manifestation of diabetic ketoacidosis is the breathing, but profound, which is characterized by a fruity odor, or apple called ketone breath.

The increase of toxic ketones does not allow adequate oxygenation of brain cells, which, along with dehydration and the acid can produce everything from sleep to unconsciousness (coma).

Why is this?

* Suspension of the daily supply of insulin or by applying less than the amount indicated for the treatment.
* Lack of adjustment in the delivery of insulin after suffering an infection, stroke, trauma or surgery.
* Renal failure, pancreatitis or myocardial infarction, etc..
* Pregnancy
* Smoking, drinking or using drugs.
* Inadequate education of patients and their families about diabetes.

Symptoms:

* Polyuria (urinating more than adequate)
* Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
* Lack of appetite
* Nausea and vomiting
* Abdominal pain
* Weakness
* Rapid breathing but deep with fruity odor, specifically apple or vinegar.
* Blurred vision
* Cramps
* Muscle pain
* Drowsiness and
* In extreme cases coma.

Moreover:

* The skin, mouth and tongue are resected by dehydration
* The eyes sink
* Rapid traverse of the heart (tachycardia)
* Low blood pressure
* You may have fever

Recommendations

Keep track and record your glucose levels, which should be more strict in the presence of flu, diarrhea, infection or any other condition. If your blood levels are 250 mg/dl, you should be tested for the presence of ketones in blood or urine. If there are, see your doctor immediately. Diabetic ketoacidosis require treatment in hospital, for there you will find the fastest and most accurate method to correct this situation that threatens your life.

Be more responsible with the treatment prescribed by your doctor, never forget to carry it out if you feel good, because that is no guarantee of anything, that is, you take your pills or inject insulin on time every day without exception.

Jack Clarke has been an author and content publisher for the past 12 years. He currently runs several review sites including
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