How to Spot and Prevent Potentially Deadly Diabetic Acidosis
Diabetic Acidosis
Diabetic Acidosis, or Ketoacidosis as it is sometimes called, is a condition normally associated with Type 1 diabetics. It occurs when too little insulin is in the body. This can be due to missed injections, but could also be brought on by illness, particularly stomach infections.
Full blown Acidosis requires immediate hospital care, where insulin and fluids will be administered.
The Symptoms
The basic symptoms are similar to those of diabetes itself, i.e.
- Increased Thirst
- Increased Urination
- Feeling tired, lacking in energy
- Possible confusion
Specific symptoms that should alert you to acidosis are:
- Glucose in urine - with insufficient insulin, the body starts to burn fat releasing glucose and ketones which cause the acidity
- More rapid and deeper breathing - the body tries to rid itself of acid by blowing out CO2
- Breath smelling of acetone - this is caused by the raised acid and glucose levels in the blood.
- Sick feeling and possible vomiting
Preventing Problems
The vast majority of cases of Diabetic Acidosis are caused by poor blood glucose control. If you control your diabetes well, you should not have any problems. However, it is still possible to get the condition - if you get an infection, particularly one that badly affects insulin absorption.
When you get ill, take your blood glucose readings more often than normal - you will actually usuallly need more insulin when you are ill, not less.
Pump users must watch out for blockages in the infusion sets and all diabetics must make sure to rotate injection sites regularly, to help get better absorption.
Under no circumstances exercise if you think you have some symptoms of acidosis. As the condition is brought about by lack of sufficient insulin, exercising will make matters worse - extra insulin is required. The extra insulin will allow the body to metabolize food better and thus avoid needing to burning fat
Recommended Supplier
Diabetic Supplies from DiabetesStore.com
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More Resources
[ www.diabetes.org ]
[ www.diabetes.ca ]
[ www.diabetesnet.com ]
[ www.diabetes.org.uk ]
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