People are mostly unaware of a potentially life-taking condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘diabetic’ in the name! Though diabetics are prime targets of this condition, so also are they who have undergone severe dehydration for whatever reason, as well as those who have had massive viral or bacterial infections. These three categories form the high-risk population vulnerable to diabetic ketoacidosis.

This condition is related to the metabolic functions of the body. Food is digested to produce glucose, a form of sugar. Glucose is used by the muscles directly to carry out our basic functions. Glucose which is not needed immediately is converted to and stored as fat. Whenever the glucose levels dwindle, the body takes recourse to the stored energy reserves within our body, that is, the fats, reconverting them back to glucose, that is energy.

This reconversion releases ketones which are fatty acids, and the level of ketones in the blood exceeds the normal. This condition is called ‘ketoacidosis’. If a person’s blood is heavily infected by external organisms like bacteria or viruses, then ketoacidosis is more likely to occur. A person suffering from severe dehydration is also prone to ketoacidosis. Diabetics are more likely to develop ketoacidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis becomes dangerous due to delayed treatment. Most people who have diabetic ketoacidosis aren’t even aware that they have it. The symptoms manifest themselves in the later stages of the condition. Recognizing them may well mean the difference between a life-critical existence and a normal one. The chief symptoms that are easily discernible are given here for your information.

Skin dryness, elevated temperature, flushed or pale appearance.

Another telltale sign is impaired vision. A person with diabetic ketoacidosis experiences severe blurring of vision.

Diabetics with diabetic ketoacidosis emit a peculiarly sickening “sweet” odor from their breath. It seems very like the smell from a horse’s mouth which has just fed on fresh grass!

The person with diabetic ketoacidosis can feel very tired, so tired that he sleeps almost throughout the day. He won’t even take part in those activities that he likes.

A person with diabetic ketoacidosis can’t eat. He doesn’t feel like eating at all. If he does attempt a light meal, he brings it up almost immediately, with violent retching.

The most critical manifestation of diabetic ketoacidosis is related to the thought processing capability of the brain. The person goes through spells where he is completely confused.

The only effective treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis is a prolonged one. The patient should cooperate with the doctors and take the prescribed treatment exactly as advised. The patient must avoid dehydration, taking rehydrating solutions if necessary. The blood glucose must be monitored round-the-clock to avoid it going over or below the normal limits. If these guidelines are followed, diabetic ketoacidosis can be beaten, rest assured!

There are a couple of things everyone needs to have to assist in controlling their diabetes. The first is a good supply of diabetic testing supplies and the other is a wholesome diabetic diet plan. Visit www.Diabetes-Diabetic-Diet-Plans.com to learn more about this disease and ways to control it.

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