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03/20/10 11:49 PM

"Been DKA twice, it really feels like your dying? Are you? what exactly does it do to your body? pump broke, DKA with-in 8 hrs,ER12 hrs, ICU 3 days. "
Asked By: lorid  
Category: Type 1

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Expert Answers (1)

03/26/10 12:18 PM

Hello Lorid: DKA, or diabetic keto-acidodis, is an acute situation when extremely high blood glucose levels trigger unnatural metabolic changes, and yes, if left untreated would result in death. DKA can start quite innocently: you skip a dose, (or in your case, the pump malfunctioned), or un-noticed the insulin has gone bad, or a clog occurs in the pump tubing. These 'undetected' high glucose levels, combined with 'not testing your urine' for ketones, and taking action, can result in coma, shock, pneumonia, difficulty breathing, or worse(feeling very-very BAD near death). The risk of DKA also can develop in periods of stress or illness. Stress of illness trigger hormones which cause the liver to release stored glucose. As a Ty1, I'm sure you are aware of the need to monitor glucose status, check ketones when indicated, check the pump for proper functions, does the potential exist you could use the CGM device, (the continuous monitoring which notifies you for oncoming highs or lows)???

When the body does not have enough insulin, the muscles do not get the needed fuel, this deficiency results in a 'starved' message, the body begins to break down stored fat for fuel. Ketones are the resulting by-product of this fat breakdown. These ketones form faster than your body can get rid of them in the urine; they also build up in blood. As this situation continues, glucose building up in the blood then spills into the urine. The kidneys work harder to rid the body of these acids and sugars, complicated by increased urination and resulting in dehydration. Dehydrated and ketones in the blood, not a healthy condition, and also known as DKA. Recruit your support team to help you look for signs of impending trouble: dry mouth, thirst, fruity breath, appetite loss, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dry, drowsiness, frequent urination and labored breathing know your symptoms. Be your best, regards Sue

Answered By: Susan Throop
Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
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