Analysis of the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic Ketoacidosis
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Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Introduction
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes caused by the buildup of blood acids called ketones in one's blood. Excessive blood sugar levels instigate the disorder in the patient's body: the complication is characterized by ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia, and ketonuria. DKA occurs when relative or total insulin deficiency impedes the body from breaking down glucose as a fuel source, forcing the liver to utilize fat as metabolic fuel rapidly. Insulin is the primary energy source, but if there is not enough insulin, the body starts metabolizing fat as fuel. This process is accompanied by the production of ketones and the subsequent accumulation of blood acids in the patient’s blood and urine. DKA is commonly associated with type 1 diabetes, although some patients with type 2 diabetes may also develop the complication.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of DKA often develop quickly, often within a day. They include excessive thirst, nausea, shortness of breath, confusion, flushed face, frequent peeing, dry mouth, muscle aches, belly pain, dry skin, frequent urination, stomach pain, fruity-scented breath, confusion, fatigue, and vomiting (French et al., 2019). For most people with undiagnosed diabetes, these signs are usually the first indication of diabetes. It is advisable to contact a doctor if the patient is vomiting (for more than 2 hours), is incapable of tolerating liquid or food, is feeling queasy, has a fruity breath smell, has high urine ketone levels, has trouble breathing, as well as high blood sugar levels that are above the target range and are not responding to home treatment. Emergency care should be sought if one’s blood sugar level is steadily above 16.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or 300 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and is showing other signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (Lizzo et al., 2021).
Besides ketone production, metabolic acidosis is also caused by osmotic diuresis and electrolyte disturbances, which add to blood acidity. As blood glucose levels rise, a significant amount of glucose leaks into the urine and enters the renal tubules, drawing large amounts of water and causing frequent urination. The osmotic effect of glucose molecules is the reason for severe dehydration among patients with ADK. Moreover, the high levels of ketones in the urine result in excessive excretion of sodium ions, which are needed to buffer the strong organic acids (Hirsch, 2017). The sodium ions exacerbate dehydration by inducing osmotic diuresis in the renal tubules leading to excessive urine and further depletion of body fluids. This constant urination is accompanied by the excretion of other essential electrolytes like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and other tissues.
Causes
DKA is caused by very high blood sugar levels and low insulin levels. In DKA, glucose cannot get into the body's cells because of the excessively low insulin levels, and so it accumulates, causing excessively high blood sugar levels. Because the ...