Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, a complication of poorly controlled diabetes)
About Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, a complication of poorly controlled diabetes)
Occurs when there is not enough circulating insulin. This lack of insulin causes elevated glucose levels in the blood and forces the body to breakdown body fats for energy. This results in a buildup of ketones. The increased ketones increases the acidity of the blood and when severe can result in coma and death. This disorder is also called DKA and is most often associated with diabetes type 1. The most common causes of DKA are not taking the correct amounts of insulin and a secondary stress to the body such as infections, surgery and trauma.Symptoms
Fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, fruity breath odor, confusion, coma, muscle stiffness or aching, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, shortness of breath.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests, urine tests and X-rays are done to determine why the glucose is elevated since an infection can cause dramatic increase in glucose. The severity of diabetic ketoacidosis is evaluated by measuring the acid and base and electrolyte status of the blood.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA).
Conventional treatment summary
Intravenous fluids and insulin are the mainstays of therapy. Correction of metabolic abnormalities such as low sodium or potassium is necessary as well. Treatment of the cause of the DKA must also be reversed.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism · Pediatric Endocrinology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, a complication of poorly controlled diabetes).