Ketoacidosis (Acidity of the Blood)

Ketoacidosis (sometimes called ketosis) is a condition caused by there being little or no insulin present in the body. The body requires the insulin to allow the sugar in the blood passage into the body cells, to provide energy. If insulin is not present in the blood this will allow the sugar to stay in the blood which in turn causes the blood sugar to rise and become very high. The lack of sugar going into the cells causes the body to start burning it’s stores of fat as an alternative source of energy. Because the body can not burn fat efficiently by-products are given off. It is these by-products that are known as Ketone’s, a poisonous substance which makes the blood very acidic. The Ketone’s show up in the urine and you can easily test for them. Ketoacidosis (ketosis) can be caused both by illness or missing an insulin injection.

Recognising Ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis usually takes 24 hours to develop, but once it starts it will get worse until special measures are taken to stop it. There are two stages to the symptoms. During stage one it is possible to bring things back to normal by taking extra short acting insulin.

Stage One Symptoms

• Thirst.
• Passing Large Amounts Of Urine.
• Tiredness.
• Blood Sugar Levels Of 15mmol / OR ABOVE.
• Ketone’s In The Urine.

When stage two begins to develop further symptoms will be noticeable. If vomiting, deep breathing, and drowsiness become
noticeable hospital treatment is essential. At the hospital lost fluids will be replaced via. a needle in the vein and insulin will be
administered.

Stage Two symptoms

• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Moderate To Large Keytone’s In The Urine.
• Deep Rapid Breathing.
• Breath Smelling Of Acetone. (a sweet, fruity odour like pear drops)
• Drowsiness.
• Eventual Unconsciousness.