Ketoacidosis

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.


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:

 Vomiting
 Confusion
 Dehydration
 Stomach pain
 Fast heart rate

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:

 Unconsciousness
 Breathing problems
 Breath that smells like fruit

 Related pages 
 Diabetic ketoacidosis
 Ketosis
 Type I diabetes

References

 Other websites 

Category:Acid–base disturbances
Category:Blood disorders