Has your doctor talked to you about something called diabetic ketoacidosis (or DKA)? This is a serious and, at times, life-threatening condition that people with diabetes should be aware of. DKA occurs when glucose levels are very high.
As discussed in Chapter 1, glucose is the body’s preferred source of energy, and insulin helps to move that glucose from the bloodstream into cells where it can be used for energy or stored for later. When blood glucose levels are high and the body isn’t producing enough insulin to move that glucose from the blood into the cells, the body starts to use alternative pathways to produce energy and starts to break down fat for energy. This produces ketones in the process. While there is a lot of buzz around ketones and a ketogenic diet, know that DKA and the production of ketones when glucose levels are high is not the same thing as nutritional ketosis. High ketones can be very dangerous for someone with diabetes, and as ketones build up, the pH of the body is altered, becoming more acidic. This can lead to DKA.
Symptoms
High glucose should be avoided to prevent DKA. Some signs of high glucose to be aware of include:
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Increased thirst
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Increased urination
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Changes in vision
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Fatigue
More serious signs of high glucose that could potentially be related to DKA are:
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Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains
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Change in mental status or confusion
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Fruity smelling breath
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Changes in breathing patterns or difficulty breathing
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Very dry mouth
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Muscle soreness/aches
Management
If you are regularly seeing glucose values above 250 mg/dL, please be sure to let your primary doctor know. If you experience any of the more serious symptoms mentioned above, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible by either calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency room. While you may never experience DKA, it is essential to know the symptoms and be prepared with an action plan so you can avoid more serious complications.
Next: Lifestyle Interventions