Researchers found that bicarbonate, a common treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis, appears to increase the risk of cerebral edema, or swelling of the brain, which can be fatal. In ketoacidosis, toxic levels of acids called ketones build up in the blood. Bicarbonate is often given in the emergency department to reduce these acid levels.
Cerebral edema can lead to coma, neurological damage, and death.
I diabetes mellitus, also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include unusual thirst, frequent urination, constant fatigue, dry or flushed skin, nausea and vomiting, labored breathing, confusion, and a fruity odor on the breath. The condition requires immediate emergency medical intervention. Type I diabetes, ketoacidosis is the first recognized sign of disease. Ketoacidosis also can occur later in the course of the disease if a diabetic patient misses an insulin injection, gets sick or is subjected to some other significant stress.