Diabetic Keto-Acidosis
Diabetic keto-acidosis is a condition caused by there being insufficient insulin present in the circulation to allow utilisation of the glucose present in order to meet the energy requirements of the body's metabolism. In order to meet these requirements liver begins to utilise fatty acids, which it breaks down and in the process produces chemicals called ketones. These are acidic, and the balance of acids in the blood changes. The high levels of glucose get filtered and through the kidney, causing the production of large quantities of urine (polyuria) which increases first (polydypsia). The high levels of acid in the blood cause nausea and vomiting.
Diabetic keto-acidosis is a dangerous condition which requires medical attention. It can arise in the undiagnosed diabetic, in a diabetic who has missed their insulin injections, or as a result of intercurrent infection, when insulin requirements increase. People with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus need to be aware of the need to maintain or increase their insulin requirements during times of illness, and not be slow to seek treatment.
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