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Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. [1] Signs and symptoms may include vomiting , abdominal pain , deep gasping breathing , increased urination , weakness, confusion and occasionally loss of consciousness . [ 1 ]
Ketoacidosis is a metabolic state caused by uncontrolled production of ketone bodies that cause a metabolic acidosis. While ketosis refers to any elevation of blood ketones , ketoacidosis is a specific pathologic condition that results in changes in blood pH and requires medical attention.
The complications of diabetes can dramatically impair quality of life and cause long-lasting disability. Overall, complications are far less common and less severe in people with well-controlled blood sugar levels. [3] [4] [5] Some non-modifiable risk factors such as age at diabetes onset, type of diabetes, gender, and genetics may influence risk.
Ketoacidosis is most commonly caused by a deficiency of insulin in type 1 diabetes or late stage type 2 diabetes but can also be the result of chronic heavy alcohol use, salicylate poisoning, or isopropyl alcohol ingestion. [1] [2] Ketoacidosis causes significant metabolic derangements and is a life-threatening medical emergency. [2]
Type 2 diabetes is different in that it is usually caused by insulin resistance in the body in older patients leading to beta cell burnout over time, and is not prone to DKA. KPD is a condition that involves DKA like type 1, but occurs later in life and can regain beta cell function like type 2 diabetes.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), most typically seen in those with type 1 diabetes, is triggered by the build-up of chemicals called ketones. These are strongly acidic and a build-up can cause the blood to become acidic. [5] When these levels get too high it essentially poisons the body and causes DKA. [6]
Other causes [citation needed] Ingestion of ammonium chloride, hydrochloric acid, or other acidifying salts; The treatment and recovery phases of diabetic ketoacidosis; Volume resuscitation with 0.9% normal saline provides a chloride load, so that infusing more than 3–4L can cause acidosis; Hyperalimentation (i.e., total parenteral nutrition)
Kussmaul breathing is a deep and labored breathing pattern often associated with severe metabolic acidosis, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) but also kidney failure. It is a form of hyperventilation , which is any breathing pattern that reduces carbon dioxide in the blood due to increased rate or depth of respiration.