When ketones build up in the blood, they make it more acidic. They are a warning sign that your diabetes is out of control or that you are getting sick. High levels of ketones can poison the body. When levels get too high, you can develop DKA. DKA may happen to anyone with diabetes, though it is rare in people with type 2. Treatment for DKA usually takes place in the hospital. But you can help prevent it by learning the warning signs and checking your urine and blood regularly. DKA usually develops slowly.
But when vomiting occurs, this life-threatening condition can develop in a few hours. Early symptoms include the following:. Ketoacidosis DKA is dangerous and serious.
You can detect ketones with a simple urine test using a test strip, similar to a blood testing strip. You can leave hospital when you're well enough to eat and drink and tests show a safe level of ketones in your body.
It's common to stay in hospital for around 2 days. Before leaving hospital, ask to speak to a diabetes nurse about why you got DKA and what you can do to stop it happening again. Page last reviewed: 01 May Next review due: 01 May Diabetic ketoacidosis. People with type 2 diabetes can also develop DKA. Instead, your liver breaks down fat for fuel, a process that produces acids called ketones. When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up to dangerous levels in your body.
High ketones can be an early sign of DKA, which is a medical emergency. Checking your ketones at home is simple. You should also test for ketones if you have any of the symptoms of DKA.
Call your doctor if your ketones are moderate or high. Although DKA is less common in people who have type 2 diabetes, it does occur. Some medications can increase the risk of DKA. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors. Testing for ketones in a sample of urine is one of the first steps for diagnosing DKA.
They will likely also test your blood sugar level. Other tests your doctor may order are:. There are many ways to prevent DKA. One of the most important is proper management of your diabetes:. DKA is serious, but it can be prevented. Follow your treatment plan and be proactive about your health. They can adjust your treatment plan or help you come up with solutions for better managing your diabetes. Read this article in Spanish.
In an effort to control blood sugar and weight, some people are turning to the ketogenic diet for managing type 2 diabetes. We'll show you how…. Despite the similarity in name, ketosis and ketoacidosis are two different things. Learn about the symptoms and treatment of each. In people with diabetes, a buildup of ketones in the blood can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Learn more….
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