Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, major, life-threatening complication of diabetes that mainly occurs in patients with type 1 diabetes, but it is not uncommon in some patients with type 2 diabetes. This condition is a complex disordered metabolic state characterized by hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, and ketonuria. Signs and symptoms The most common early symptoms of DKA are the insidious increase in polydipsia and polyuria. The following are other signs and symptoms of DKA: • Malaise, generalized weakness, and fatigability • Nausea and vomiting; may be associated with diffuse abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and anorexia • Rapid weight loss in patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes • History of failure to comply with insulin therapy or missed insulin injections due to vomiting or psychological reasons • Decreased perspiration • Altered consciousness (eg, mild disorientation, confusion); frank coma is uncommon but may occur when the condition is neglected or with severe dehydration/acidosis Attacks of DKA can be prevented in those known to have diabetes to an extent by adherence to sick day rules; these are clear-cut instructions to patients on how to treat themselves when unwell. Instructions include advice on how much extra insulin to take when sugar levels appear uncontrolled, an easily digestible diet rich in salt and carbohydrates, means to suppress fever and treat infection, and recommendations when to call for medical help. We Help Because We Care……… dhs-ng.org
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 21:18:16 +0000
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