Do I Have Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Do you have a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

Do you have excessive thirst?

Do you have frequent urination?

Do you have dry skin and mouth?

Do you have flushed face?

Do you have shortness of breath (rapid breathing)?

Do you have nausea and vomiting or abdominal pain?

Do you have fruity-scented breath (similar to the nail polish remover)?

Do you have weakness or fatigue?

Do you have a headache?

Do you have muscle stiffness or aches?

Do you have confusion or decreased alertness?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious acute complication of diabetes that usually occurs in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Glucose (sugar) is one of the main sources of energy in the body. A hormone called insulin helps transfer sugar from the blood to the cells. When there is not enough insulin in the body, the cells cannot use sugar as an energy source, so they turn to the other mechanism for obtaining energy – the breakdown of fats. In this process, substances called ketones are formed. The accumulation of ketones in the blood results in ketoacidosis.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of diabetes that occurs mainly in people with type 1 diabetes (whose body produce little or no insulin). This condition can also develop in people who abuse alcohol (alcoholic ketoacidosis) and occasionally in those with type 2 diabetes. For some people, the symptoms of ketoacidosis may be the first sign of diabetes. The symptoms often develop suddenly. The main features of diabetic ketoacidosis are high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) and high ketone levels in your urine. Diabetic ketoacidosis must be treated urgently.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes which occurs when your body does not have enough insulin. It is a serious condition that can be triggered by an illness, physical or emotional trauma, skipping meals or a problem with insulin therapy. Symptoms develop gradually, but from the moment a person begins to vomit, serious complications can be expected within a few hours. Diabetic ketoacidosis must be treated in a hospital. Treatment includes intravenous fluids, electrolytes and intravenous insulin. Ketone, electrolyte and blood glucose levels must be measured every few hours.