A Dangerous Disease - Diabetic Ketoacidosis


by Arturo Ronzon - Date: 2006-12-15 - Word Count: 384 Share This!

Diabetic Ketoacidosis, also known as DKA, is a consequence brought forth by untreated diabetes mellitus. It is linked to an impaired glucose cycle, and begins with a deficiency in insulin. Typically, this is due to undiagnosed diabetes, but may also apply to patients who have been diagnosed, but have failed to take the insulin they were prescribed. There is a 100-percent mortality rate for sufferers of diabetic ketoacidosis if it is left unchecked.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis occurs mainly, though not exclusively, in type 1 diabetes because it is related to very little if any circulating insulin. Diabetic Ketoacidosis is significantly less common in type 2 diabetes because type 2 is more closely related to the insensitivity of cells to insulin, and not necessarily to the shortage or absence of it.

Despite high circulating levels of plasma glucose, the liver in a body suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis will behave as if the body is starving when the levels of insulin are low. This means that the liver will produce another form of fuel in order to supply the needed neurons. The liver will use triglycerides to create glucose that can be used by the brain. Ketone bodies are created as intermediate products to aid in processing fatty acids.

Treatment for Diabetic Ketoacidosis consists mainly of hydration in order to lower the osmolality of the blood, in addition to replacing lost electrolytes. It also consists of replacing insulin in order to force the glucose and potassium into the cells. Eventually, it may also mean taking glucose simultaneously with insulin in order to correct any other existing abnormalities in the metabolism, such as a blood potassium level or Ketone levels that are elevated. Patients may require admission to an intensive care unit in order to monitor urine output, vital signs and blood tests more frequently. Survival for those suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis who properly treat the disorder do not have to worry about it being fatal.

In nearly twenty-five percent of those suffering from Type 1 diabetes, ketoacidosis is eventually reached through deficiency of insulin and hyperglycemia. The factor that will depend whether each patient lives or dies is simply how quickly the disease is recognized and treated. As long as the disease is managed properly by a doctor, there is no reason for anyone with diabetic ketoacidosis to lose their life.


Related Tags: diabetic, diabetics, diabetic ketoacidosis

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