The signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis are many. This is a serious condition associated with the disease and in extreme circumstances can lead to a diabetic coma. Diabetic Ketoacidosis occurs when a person’s body experiences a shortness of food or insulin. It can also take place if a person experiences a bad reaction to insulin. When the body does not have enough insulin, ketones are produced and appear in the urine. This provides a warning sign that a person is getting sick as a result of their diabetes. When the levels of ketones get too high, a patient is at risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis, also known as DKA for short.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is more common in people with type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, this condition may occur in persons affected with type 2 diabetes mellitus as well. Diabetic ketoacidosis is very serious and can lead to hospitalization. This is why it is so important for a diabetic patient to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis. The early symptoms of DKA include extreme thirst or the feeling of having a very dry mouth. Frequent urination also takes place. When DKA is setting in, blood glucose levels will rise, and ketone levels in the urine will become high.
The next signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis that occur are a constant state of feeling tired. The skin may become dry or flushed and nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain may occur. Shortness of breath and a state of confusion are also signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Urine Provides one of the major Diabetic Ketoacidosis Signs
Because the level of ketones in the urine is one of the biggest diabetic ketoacidosis signs, a person should know how to test for them. Test strips are on the market that allow people to test their ketone levels at home. According to the American Diabetes Association, it is recommended to check ketone levels when a person’s blood glucose level reaches 240 mg/dl or higher. If a person is experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, this would also be a good time to check the ketone levels in the urine. In such cases, a urine test to detect ketone levels should be administered aver four to six hours. If a urine test shows a high level of ketones, a person needs to get in touch with their medical provider. In most circumstances, a health care provider will be able to provide instructions on what to do over the phone. Patients who have high ketone levels are advised not to exercise if their blood glucose is high. These can be signs that a person’s diabetes has reached a point that is out of control and should seek emergency care.
