Understanding Ketones and Diabetes
Ketones diabetes is not a medical condition in itself. Instead, Ketones is a word that describes a very dangerous medical state diabetics may find themselves in if they have no yet been diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, or if they are not following their insulin therapy instructions carefully. Ketones are a very serious measure of your health as a diabetic. Until insulin became available in the 1920s, Diabetic ketoacidosis, the medical term for Ketones, almost always led to death. Today, a death rate of less than one percent occurs, but only because patients keep vigilant in looking for warning signs. This article will discuss the cause of Ketones, as well as warning signs associated with the condition:
What Causes Ketones?
Basically, the main cause of Ketones is the low level of insulin in the body. When there is no insulin left, the body begins to burn fatty acids, which produces ketone bodies. These acidic bodies cause most of the symptoms. Most frequently, people already diagnosed with diabetes will be the patients who experience Ketones diabetes. However, on some rare occasions it may serve as the first sign that a patient has diabetes. The condition is most commonly brought about in combination with some other medical condition or illness like a heart attack, pregnancy, flu, a urinary tract infection, stroke, the use of cocaine, or not using insulin correctly. It rarely happens in patients with Type II Diabetes, though it still may.
What to Watch For
Usually, complications from ketones evolve over a one day period. Patients will feel nauseated and will vomit. They become very thirsty, urinate often, and may have abdominal pain that some may mistake for other medical complications (like issues with appendicitis, the pancreas, or the intestines). Those testing blood glucose levels will notice high blood sugar levels. Sometimes, those experiencing this condition exhibit deep, gasping, labored breath. If symptoms are allowed to continue, patients may develop lethargy, stupor, confusion, or even fall into a coma. If you notice any of these symptoms, get to your doctor or nearest hospital, immediately.
What Doctors Look For
Doctors will examine for dehydration symptoms, possible low heart rate, and low blood pressure. Respiratory rate may also be increased in patients having complications with ketones, and this is normally reflected when the above labored breathing, or Kussamaul respiration, is present. They will also look for a “ketotic” odor in the breath, which is said to smell fruity, or a bit like pears. In younger patients, this condition is especially severe because cerebral edema, or swelling of the brain tissue, may result. As an effect of cerebral edema caused by ketones, children may complain of headaches, fall into a coma, or even die. In many young adults and children, this condition can lead to a twenty to fifty percent mortality rate. If any of these symptoms are observed, especially in younger patients, it is important that you get them to the doctor or nearest hospital or emergency room immediately.