Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidos is is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.

Insight:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis develops when the body can't produce enough insulin.
• Insulin normally plays a key role in helping glucose enter the cells.
• Without enough insulin, the body breaks down fat as fuel, which produces ketones.
• Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, and confusion.
• Risk factors include having type 1 diabetes and/or frequently missing insulin doses.
• Diagnosis includes measuring blood sugar levels, ketone levels, and blood acidity.
• Treatment includes fluid replacement through a vein, electrolyte replacement such as sodium, potassium and chloride, and insulin therapy.
• Insulin reverses the process of diabetic ketoacidosis and brings the sugar levels down.

Sources:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
• diabetic ketoacidosis - Google Search