The blood sugar level that ketoacidosis starts is a blood sugar level that is greater than 250 mg/dl, arterial pH less than 7.3, serum bicarbonate less than 15 mEq/l, and the presence of ketonemia or ketonuria.
The leading cause of death in diabetic ketoacidosis is cerebral edema.
Cerebral edema is swelling of the brain and it occurs particularly in young children and adolescents when rapid fluid shifts occur during treatment which can lead to coma and death if it's not managed properly.
Signs of cerebral edema are headache, lethargy, altered mental status and persistent vomiting.
Factors that increase the risk for cerebral edema during diabetic ketoacidosis are low sodium levels, rapid fluid administration and severe acidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe and life threatening diabetes complication which occurs when your body produces too many ketones too quickly.
Diabetic ketoacidosis can affect people that have type 1 diabetes and rarely people that have type 2 diabetes who require insulin.
The warning signs and signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis are fast, deep breathing, nausea and vomiting, being very tired and fatigued, muscle stiffness or aches, headache, fruity smelling breath, flushed face, dry skin and mouth.
When a person is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis it's very important and crucial to get medical treatment right away.
Treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis often involves IV fluids, insulin and electrolytes through a vein.
Without prompt medical treatment the diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to loss of consciousness and eventually death.
Commonly accepted criteria for diabetic ketoacidosis are blood glucose greater than 250 mg/dl, arterial pH less than 7.3, serum bicarbonate less than 15 mEq/l, and the presence of ketonemia or ketonuria.
The normal anion gap is 12 mEq/l.
People with type 2 diabetes can also develop DKA, but it is much less common and less severe.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis is usually triggered by prolonged uncontrolled blood sugar, missing doses of medicines, or a severe illness or infection.