Because of its potentially life-threatening complications, diabetic ketoacidosis causes side effects that should never be ignored. A person who is experiencing dehydration is especially susceptible to such symptoms (dehydration is one of the most prevalent diabetic ketoacidosis causes). When a person is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis, they may appear ill in their over-all appearance and demeanor. They may also break out in dry, itchy skin or have a dry mouth.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis causes an increased heart rate in those experiencing the condition, as well as reports of low blood pressure. Breathing is also affected by diabetic ketoacidosis. Although it is likely to increase, some patients experience shortness of breath, and a fruity breath odor may present itself. Vomiting, confusion and loss of appetite may also be signs that a person is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis. Other symptoms that signify diabetic ketoacidosis are no different than those of regular diabetes. For example, unquenchable thirst, frequent urination and weakness are related to diabetic ketoacidosis causes.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis can be diagnosed through the use of laboratory blood and urine tests. When it is severe enough, hospitalization may be necessary. If this is the case, insulin, fluids and electrolytes are replenished in the blood via an IV.
Causes of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Dehydration is among the major causes of diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis, also referred to as DKA for short, occurs when the body of a diabetic person produces a response to dehydration where adrenaline and glucagon hormones in the body begin to break down muscle, fat and liver cells to convert them into glucose and fatty acids to use for energy. This is especially dangerous when adrenaline kicks in, because this hormone is known to work against insulin in the body. Because sugar is the main fuel source for all the cells throughout the body (and diabetics already have blood sugar ailments), the presence of too much adrenaline is one of the most hazardous causes of diabetic ketoacidosis.
There are a few common factors that contribute to diabetic ketoacidosis causes. For example, infections can cause people to become dehydrated because it is often associated with diarrhea, vomiting, and/or high fever. When a diabetic person neglects to obtain a proper insulin dose, dehydration can also occur. Also, if a person is unaware that they have the disease, they are more likely to be affected by diabetic ketoacidosis causes.
Dehydration is not the only diabetic ketoacidosis causes. Stroke, heart attack, trauma, stress, drug abuse and the consumption of too much alchohol can also be causes of diabetic ketoacidosis. When it comes to diabetic ketoacidosis causes, however, E-Medicine Health reports that 5 to 10 percent of the cases have no identifiable reason for occurrence. Information provided by the Mayo Clinic lists other possible factors that can contribute to the onset diabetic ketoacidosis. Stress, physical or emotional trauma, high fever and surgery are other possible causes of diabetic ketoacidosis.
