Diabetic ketoacidosis treatment normally requires hospitalization or a visit to the emergency room, as it can be fatal if untreated. The initial treatment usually consists of replenishing fluid and electrolytes, along with administering insulin. You should be aware of the symptoms and know when it is time to seek medical attention. Patients can be taught preventive measures involving adjusting insulin dosages and monitoring blood sugar and ketone levels. The close monitoring of these key factors is an important part of managing this disease.
Once hospitalized, you will receive fluids intravenously until that which has been lost through excessive urination has been replaced. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride will also be replenished to provide support for heart and nerve cell functioning. Insulin therapy will be initiated and continue until the blood acid and sugar levels normalize. After the patient's blood chemistry has stabilized, the doctor will determine if other conditions, such as an infection or heart attack, may have precipitated the event. In such cases, standard diabetic ketoacidosis treatment will be augmented by therapy that addresses the contributing factors.
Preventive measures involve engaging in regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. Test your blood sugar level several times a day, and when experiencing illness or stress, check your urine ketones. Patients can be taught to adjust their insulin dosages, as factors such as diet, activity levels, and sickness can cause blood sugar to fluctuate. If you use an insulin pump, check it frequently for blockages or other problems with the tubing.
Learn to recognize the symptoms that signal you are becoming very ill, and be prepared to seek immediate diabetic ketoacidosis treatment. Some common symptoms include deep, rapid breathing; nausea and vomiting; stomach pain; confusion; weakness and fatigue; breath odor; difficulty breathing when lying down; and frequent urination. Call your physician if your blood sugar fails to respond to treatment, if your ketone level is moderate to high, or if you experience vomiting. Go to the emergency room if you have many symptoms of ketoacidosis, or if your blood sugar stays higher than 300 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 16.7 mollimoles per liter (mmol/L).
Certain risks are associated with diabetic ketoacidosis treatment, but the risks of this condition going untreated are greater. Too much insulin can cause low blood sugar. The treatment can cause potassium levels to become low, which could impair the function of vital body processes. Additionally, changing the blood sugar level too fast can produce brain swelling. It should be reiterated that even though the complications are serious, ketoacidosis can be fatal if left untreated.
