S.S. becomes ill with the flu. Because she is not eating, she also discontinues

Question

S.S. becomes ill with the flu. Because she is not eating, she also discontinues her insulin for several days. She begins to feel weaker and more lethargic. She voids frequently and notes the presence of acetone in her urine. When she checks her blood glucose by finger stick, she is surprised to find that her glucose is 450 mg/dl. She tells her parents “I can't-do anything right! It’s as bad as it was before”. Her parents take her to the local hospital. There, a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis is made.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis? What causes it?

What are its symptoms? Its outcomes if not treated? (1 pt)

Explanation / Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma or even death.

When your cells don't get the glucose they need for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones. Ketones are chemicals that the body creates when it breaks down fat to use for energy. The body does this when it doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose, the body’s normal source of energy. When ketones build up in the blood, they make it more acidic. They are a warning sign that your diabetes is out of control or that you are getting sick.

Causes:

- Not enough insulin

- Not enough food

- Insulin reaction (low blood glucose)

Symptoms:

Thirst or a very dry mouth

Frequent urination

High blood glucose (blood sugar) levels

High levels of ketones in the urine.

Stomach pain

Difficulty in breathing

Outcomes:

Diabetic coma

Death

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