What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis? What are various diabetic ketoacidosis treatment available today?

 

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKC), also known as ketoacidemia, is a life-threatening complication of diabetes type I (but quite uncommon, it may happen in patients with type 2 diabetes), which occurs when the body produces excessive amounts of ketone (derived from fat) due to shortage of insulin. Diabetic ketoacidosis diagnosis can be established by a high blood glucose level, low blood ketone levels, and elevated acidity of the blood. It is often accompanied by a rash, inflammation of skin and eyes, stomach cramps, and a feeling of nausea.  Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to several other illnesses if not treated immediately such as ketosis, dehydration, brain damage, nerve damage, coma, seizures, heart failure, and even death

Diabetic ketoacidosis treatment begins with a careful calculation of the amount of glucose available for the body to use as fuel. This amount of glucose must be sufficient for all body functions, but especially important to the brain, kidneys, and peripheral organs, the level of glucose in the blood must be sufficient to provide for all of these body functions except for drinking fluids. Excess glucose in the blood leads to dehydration, a condition that may result in brain seizures and eventually death. Therefore, Diabetic ketoacidosis treatment starts with keeping the blood glucose level as low as possible, if not totally controlled.

The most frequent symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis is frequent urination. The symptoms of dehydration may include frequent urination, thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, faintness, and fatigue. In some cases, a patient may also have swollen legs and toes. Other symptoms not specific to this condition include irritability, depression, impotence, increased hunger, frequent urination, tremors, and increased pulse rates. Less frequent symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis may include lethargy, poor memory, constipation, and an increase in the level of cholesterol.