Friday, February, 10, 2012

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

DKA; Ketoacidosis


Symptoms

The warning signs that you are becoming very sick might include:

  • Deep, rapid breathing
  • Dry skin and mouth
  • Flushed face
  • Fruity breath (breath odor)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain

Other symptoms that can occur include:

  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination or thirst for a day or more
  • Mental stupor that may progress to coma
  • Muscle stiffness or aching
  • Shortness of breath
  • Abdominal pain
  • Breathing difficulty while lying down
  • Decreased appetite
  • Decreased consciousness
  • Headache

Signs and tests

Ketone testing may be used in type 1 diabetes to screen for early ketoacidosis. The ketones test is done using a urine sample. Ketone testing is usually done at the following times:

  • When the blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL
  • During an illness such as pneumonia, heart attack, or stroke
  • When nausea or vomiting occur
  • During pregnancy

Other tests that may be done to diagnose ketoacidosis include:

  • Arterial blood gas
  • Blood glucose test
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Amylase blood test
  • Potassium blood test

This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

  • CO2
  • CSF collection
  • Potassium urine test
  • Magnesium blood test
  • Phosphorus blood test
  • Sodium blood test
  • Sodium urine test
  • Urine pH

Review Date: 04/19/2010
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)