What are the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that can be life-threatening. Therefore, patients need to pay attention to the signs of diabetic ketoacidosis to detect and treat promptly, avoiding complications of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Discontinuation of insulin therapy or inadequate insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes.
Decompensated episodes of type 1 diabetes (20-25%).
Suffering from acute diseases:
Infections (30-40%): pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, ... Cerebrovascular accident Myocardial infarction Acute pancreatitis Using drugs such as corticosteroids, clozapine, cocaine, lithium, terbutaline, ...
An injury occurs.

When being poisoned by diabetic ketoacidosis, patients often have signs of diabetic ketoacidosis such as:
Symptoms of hyperglycemia such as frequent urination, increased thirst, increased appetite and weight loss. Early signs of diabetic ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hyperventilation (rapid and deep breathing, Kussmaul breathing pattern). Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting may result from pancreatitis or an abdominal infection, both of which have the potential to trigger diabetic ketoacidosis. Severe generalized dehydration with manifestations of dry skin, decreased skin elasticity, dry mucous membranes, blepharitis, tachycardia, hypotension or shock. Hypothermia is usually present (but may be hyperthermia when the predisposing factor is infection or when there is severe intracellular dehydration). As hyperglycemia worsens, neurological symptoms may develop and progress to somnolence, CNS damage, stupor, convulsions, and coma.

Blood tests are used in the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis:
Acutely elevated blood sugar, usually above 20 mmol/l. Presence of blood ketones. Measure blood pH. The concentration of ketones in the blood increases, making the blood environment acidic. This can damage organs in the body. In addition, some additional tests can be done to determine if the person has complications or other medical conditions that contribute to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis, such as:
Electrochemical tests Urine analysis X-ray cardiopulmonary electrocardiogram

Treatment of coma due to ketoacidosis consists of several steps that must be addressed at the same time. The following important steps should be taken into account:
Correct diagnosis Intravenous infusion and fluid resuscitation Insulin administration: the goal is to reduce the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue, thereby reducing the fatty acid load to the liver. ketone body production. Insulin also inhibits the production of glucose from the liver and increases the uptake of glucose into the muscles Balance electrolyte imbalance: prevent hypokalemia, reduce symptoms of acidosis Prevent cerebral edema Reduce the risk of thrombosis Treatment comorbidities such as infection Care of the comatose

To prevent diabetic ketoacidosis, patients need to take the following measures:
In people with type 1 diabetes, it is necessary to prevent infections, injuries, and insulin injections. , properly every day. For people at risk of diabetes, it is necessary to check blood sugar 2-3 times a year for timely detection and treatment. Reduce salt in each meal to limit the risk of high blood pressure, especially in people who already have diabetes. If people with diabetes have high blood pressure, they should be monitored regularly at home. It is necessary to practice healthy eating habits, exercise daily to avoid the risk of overweight and obesity. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a dangerous complication that can lead to coma or death. Therefore, people with diabetes need to actively prevent this complication. At the same time, when there are warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, the patient should immediately go to the doctor for a definitive diagnosis and timely and effective treatment.
At Vinmec hospital, we always deploy a screening package for diabetes and dyslipidemia to help detect pre-diabetes early, accurately classify diabetes type, develop a nutritional regimen, and monitor the treatment of diabetes. risks and complications caused by diabetes.