PLEASE NOTE: If your child is showing any of these symptoms before being diagnosed with diabetes, please contact a physician to have them tested immediately.
What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), is caused when the body does not have enough insulin. If the body does not have enough insulin, fat is broken down and used for energy for the body cells. Ketones are produced if fat is broken down. Ketones are acids. The body tries to maintain a normal pH by releasing basis to counteract the extra acids in the blood stream. If to many ketones are formed quickly, the body cannot maintain a normal blood pH. If the blood pH is too low, the condition is called acidosis. If the acidosis is caused by the ketone build up from not enough insulin, the condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Signs and Symptoms of DKA
Some symptoms and signs to look for in DKA:
Causes of DKA
DKA is caused by the following:
Treatment of DKA
DKA is life threatening.
The child must be treated immediately to prevent death. The child will be hospitalized and receive IV fluids, IV insulin, have lab checks and electrolyte replacement. If infection is the cause for DKA, it will also be treated.
Complications from DKA may include cerebral edema (swelling of the brain), and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). After diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, DKA is mainly preventable.
Repeated episodes of DKA in teenagers may be a clue to underlying psychological issues and noncompliance. Children and teens performing diabetes self care skills such as insulin injections and blood sugar checking should always be supervised by a trained responsible adult. Children and teenagers do not posses the maturity level to consistentlycare for their own diabetes without help from their family.
Prevention of DKA
Steps you can take to prevent DKA: