Why do diabetics have acidosis

When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up to dangerous levels in your body. High ketones can be an early sign of DKA, which is a medical emergency. Checking your ketones at home is simple.

You should also test for ketones if you have any of the symptoms of DKA. Call your doctor if your ketones are moderate or high. Elevated ketones are a sign of DKA, which is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately.

Your treatment will likely include:. DSMES services are a vital tool to help you manage and live well with diabetes while protecting your health.

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. If left untreated, DKA can lead to a coma or death. If you use insulin , make sure you discuss the risk of DKA with your healthcare team and have a plan in place.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you should have a supply of home urine ketone tests. You can buy these in drug stores or online. Call your doctor if moderate or high levels of ketones are present. Always seek medical help if you suspect you are progressing to DKA. The treatment for DKA usually involves a combination of approaches to normalize blood sugar and insulin levels.

Infection can increase the risk of DKA. If your DKA is a result of an infection or illness, your doctor will treat that as well, usually with antibiotics. At the hospital, your physician will likely give you fluids. If possible, they can give them orally, but you may have to receive fluids through an IV.

Fluid replacement helps treat dehydration , which can cause even higher blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar level is within an acceptable range, your doctor will work with you to help you avoid DKA in the future. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help your body, including the heart and nerves, function properly.

Electrolyte replacement is also commonly done through an IV. DKA occurs when blood sugar levels are very high and insulin levels are low. Our bodies need insulin to use the available glucose in the blood.

That fuel is called ketones. When too many ketones build up, your blood becomes acidic. This is diabetic ketoacidosis. Although DKA is less common in people who have type 2 diabetes, it does occur. Some medications can increase the risk of DKA. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors. Testing for ketones in a sample of urine is one of the first steps for diagnosing DKA. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Show references DKA ketoacidosis and ketones. American Diabetes Association. Accessed Oct. Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA. Merck Manual Professional Version. Hirsch IB, et al. Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in adults: Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in adults: Treatment. Ferri FF. Diabetic ketoacidosis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor