Ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis
Ketone bodies
Medical specialtyEndocrinology
Symptomsnausea, vomiting, pain, weakness, unusual breath odor, rapid breathing
Causesmedications, alcoholic beverages, undiagnosed diabetes

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is caused by untreated high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). If does not get treated, it can develop into a life threatening sickness. In this state the body breaks down fat at a high rate.

Total Ion Chromatogram of a urine sample in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis. Urine organic acid analysis profile: The 3 prominent peaks on the left are from left to right: B-hydroxybutyrate, Acetoacetate (with TMS derivative 1), Acetoacetate 2nd peak (with TMS derivative 2). TMS = trimethylsilyl derivative reagent, PDA = pentadecanoic acid (internal standard).

Causes

Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by a lack of insulin and a high number of ketones, which causes blood to become acidic. This sickness is an emergency that can lead to coma or death.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

Those with type 2 diabetes can also get sick with ketoacidosis. DKA can happen with high blood sugar, when medicine is stopped, because of a bad sickness or infection: