Controlling Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a little known medical condition. Apart from those who have this condition, and their friends and family, the general populace is fairly ignorant of the severe implications of this condition. If the condition is untreated for too long, it may prove fatal. Type 1 diabetics are prone to suffer this condition. But this condition can just as easily occur in a non-diabetic person. The picture that emerges from studies of this condition shows that persons who have suffered severe dehydration or bacterial infection and viral attacks are susceptible to diabetic ketoacidosis.
This condition is related to the metabolic functions of the body. Food is digested to produce glucose, a form of sugar. Glucose is used by the muscles directly to carry out our basic functions. Glucose which is not needed immediately is converted to and stored as fat. Whenever the glucose levels dwindle, the body takes recourse to the stored energy reserves within our body, that is, the fats, reconverting them back to glucose, that is energy.
Fats are pretty complex substances, and when they are decomposed to get their glucose content, a very simple fatty acid, called ketone, is also released into the blood. This causes ketoacidosis. This isn’t a problem for the body in small, occasional doses. However, when it is massive and prolonged, the blood chemistry changes drastically. If left untreated for too long, or if treatment is left till too late, the condition can result in fatality. To reiterate, the high-risk population is especially vulnerable to diabetic ketoacidosis, but the others are just a little less likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis. So everyone should beware this condition!
Diabetic ketoacidosis becomes dangerous due to delayed treatment. Most people who have diabetic ketoacidosis aren’t even aware that they have it. The symptoms manifest themselves in the later stages of the condition. Recognizing them may well mean the difference between a life-critical existence and a normal one. The chief symptoms that are easily discernible are given here for your information.
Lip and skin dryness, heightened skin temperature, abnormal skin tone such as paleness or flushed appearance, are directly related to diabetic ketoacidosis.
The severe change in the blood chemistry can cause blurred vision and similar vision problems.
Diabetics with diabetic ketoacidosis emit a peculiarly sickening “sweet” odor from their breath. It seems very like the smell from a horse’s mouth which has just fed on fresh grass!
Diabetic ketoacidosis induces lassitude in the extreme. The patient just can’t get enough sleep and loses all interest in any form of activity, even the ones he used to enjoy most.
A person with diabetic ketoacidosis can’t eat. He doesn’t feel like eating at all. If he does attempt a light meal, he brings it up almost immediately, with violent retching.
The most critical manifestation of diabetic ketoacidosis is related to the thought processing capability of the brain. The person goes through spells where he is completely confused.
The best advice that one can give to a person suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis is to control the blood sugar level by carefully monitoring it. In diabetic ketoacidosis the blood glucose is in a deficiency situation, so you might need to up the amount of glucose by taking glucose supplements. Remain properly hydrated by taking rehydration salts. Remember that this is going to take time, but persistence will pay off in the end.
There are a couple of things everyone should have to help control their diabetes. The first is a good inventory of diabetic testing supplies and the other is a wholesome diabetic diet plan. Visit www.Diabetes-Diabetic-Diet-Plans.com to learn more about this disease and methods to control it.
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