Understanding Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Recognizing the Warning Signs
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
DKA occurs when the body lacks enough insulin to use glucose for energy. Instead, it begins breaking down fat for fuel, which produces toxic acids called ketones. When ketone levels become too high, they lead to a dangerous chemical imbalance in the body.
The Importance of Recognizing Symptoms
Sometimes, when we aren’t feeling well, we might overlook some of the subtle yet critical signs our body gives us. Symptoms like stomach pain, fatigue, and high blood sugar may seem easy to dismiss or associate with other causes. You might think, “No big deal. I’ll just get my blood sugar down and I’ll be fine.” But what if your blood sugar doesn’t come down as expected? Or that stomach pain feels like something you ate, and you blame your fatigue on work or other life stresses? These explanations can lead to dangerous delays in addressing the root issue.
DKA often presents with subtle signs, such as:
- Nausea or stomach pain (which may feel like food-related discomfort)
- Extreme tiredness (which may seem like a result of overwork)
- Heavy or labored breathing (which can be mistaken for exhaustion)
When left unchecked, these signs can rapidly escalate into more severe symptoms like vomiting, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Don’t Ignore These Signs
It’s easy to relate these symptoms to daily life stresses or routines, but the first step in any situation where you don’t feel well should always be to check if they’re related to your blood sugar. If your blood sugar remains high despite your efforts to lower it, and you experience additional symptoms like abdominal discomfort or excessive tiredness, it could be a sign that DKA is developing.
One important tool for people living with diabetes is ketone sticks, which help you measure the levels of ketones in your body. These sticks are affordable and easy to keep on hand. Checking ketone levels, especially when blood sugar is high and you’re experiencing other symptoms, can give you crucial feedback on your next steps.
Taking Action Quickly
If you find that your ketone levels are elevated, it’s essential to take immediate steps:
- Hydrate with water to help flush ketones from your system.
- Take insulin as directed by your healthcare provider to bring down your blood sugar.
- If symptoms worsen or ketone levels stay high, seek medical attention immediately.
Never dismiss the relationship between your blood sugar and how you’re feeling, even if the symptoms seem mild. It could save your life.
