Diabetic ketoacidosis

Definition

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes. It is caused by the buildup of by-products of fat breakdown, called ketones. This occurs when glucose is not available as a fuel source for the body, and fat is used instead.

Alternative Names

Causes

People with diabetes lack enough insulin, a hormone the body uses to process glucose (a simple sugar) for energy. When glucose is not available, body fat is broken down instead. The by-products of fat metabolism are ketones. When fat is metabolized, ketones build up in the blood and "spill" over into the urine. A condition called ketoacidosis develops when the blood becomes more acidic than body tissues.

Blood glucose levels rises (usually higher than 300 mg/dL) because the liver produces glucose to try to combat the problem, but the cells cannot take up that glucose without insulin. Diabetic ketoacidosis may lead to the initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, as it is often the first symptom that causes the person to come to medical attention. It can also be the result of increased insulin needs in someone already diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Infection, trauma, heart attack, or surgery can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis in such cases.

People with type 2 diabetes usually develop ketoacidosis only under conditions of severe stress. Not following the prescribed diet and treatment is usually the cause when episodes are repeated.