If they do not receive the proper treatment for their
condition, they are physiologically starving themselves, despite the high blood sugar level, their body is starved for fuel.
The body's way of trying to sustain itself is by metabolizing stored fat as an
alternative way to be able to meet the body's demand for fuel and energy. This
abnormal metabolism of fat is a serious metabolic derangement called diabetic
ketoacidosis or also know as DKA. The byproducts of the fat burned are ketones and fatty acids
which are toxic to the body. The presence of this
condition may be detected by using a dipstick test which gives a color change in
the presence of ketones in the urine.
Aside from the presence of ketones in urine, another symptom of diabetic
ketoacidosis or DKA is having a
acetone fruity breath. This is brought about the release of ketones by the lungs. Since
the production of ketone is faster than the body can get ride of them, accumulation of this
substance occurs in the blood and life threatening diabetic ketoacidosis develops.
If diabetic ketoacidosis persists, it may lead to the dehydration of the brain cells, and may
result in a comatose condition. This severe condition is typically seen when
type 1 diabetes is left untreated. Type 2 diabetes rarely develops into this condition,
although they are still prone to having it especially when under extreme stress
from trauma, illness, or infection. They should always have their urine tested
regularly during these times to monitor for ketones.
Diabetic ketoacidosis does not occur suddenly but is a condition that happens
gradually giving the patient plenty of time to treat the underlying condition of
diabetes and subsequently treat diabetic ketoacidosis. This is why care and control must be given
when diagnosed with diabetes to avoid further conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis and other
life-threatening complications.
