Table of Contents
- 1 Which condition is associated with ketosis in a diabetic?
- 2 Which electrolyte is replaced in diabetic ketoacidosis?
- 3 What are ketones in diabetes?
- 4 Which clinical findings support the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis DKA )?
- 5 Why is potassium low in diabetic ketoacidosis?
- 6 Why are ketones bad for diabetics?
- 7 What is diabetic ketoacidosis and how is it treated?
- 8 What is the hallmark sign of diabetic ketoacidosis?
Which condition is associated with ketosis in a diabetic?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.
Which electrolyte is replaced in diabetic ketoacidosis?
Potassium replacement should be started with initial fluid replacement if potassium levels are normal or low. Add 20-40 mEq/L of potassium chloride to each liter of fluid once the potassium level is less than 5.5 mEq/L. Potassium can be given as follows: two thirds as KCl, one third as KPO4.
Does diabetic ketoacidosis cause hyperkalemia or hypokalemia?
Although hypokalemia is common in DKA, hyperkalemia is the more likely problem in patients on hemodialysis.
Which electrolyte is most affected when the patient is in DKA?
Osmotic diuresis is associated with large losses of electrolytes in urine, so that patients with DKA typically have a whole-body sodium and potassium deficit of 500-700 mmol and 200-300 mmol, respectively.
What are ketones in diabetes?
Ketones are chemicals that the body creates when it breaks down fat to use for energy. The body does this when it doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose, the body’s normal source of energy. When ketones build up in the blood, they make it more acidic.
Which clinical findings support the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis DKA )?
A diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis requires the patient’s plasma glucose concentration to be above 250 mg per dL (although it usually is much higher), the pH level to be less than 7.30, and the bicarbonate level to be 18 mEq per L or less.
Is there hyperkalemia in diabetic ketoacidosis?
Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis tend to have somewhat elevated serum K+ concentrations despite decreased body K+ content. The hyperkalemia was previously attributed mainly to acidemia.
Does diabetes cause electrolyte imbalance?
Electrolyte imbalance is commonly present in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The cause is usually multifactorial, but usually results from insulin deficiency in diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia.
Why is potassium low in diabetic ketoacidosis?
DKA is a well-known cause of hypokalemia caused by osmotic diuresis leading to a total body potassium deficiency of 3 to 6 mEq/kg. At presentation, potassium levels are typically “normal” due to the extracellular shift of potassium (K+) from insulin deficiency and acidosis.
Why are ketones bad for diabetics?
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.
What is the difference between diabetic ketoacidosis and ketosis?
Ketosis is a metabolic state the body goes into when it doesn’t have enough glycogen from carbohydrates to burn for energy. Ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes (typically Type 1) that causes the body to produce excess blood acids.
What is electrolyte imbalance in diabetic ketoacidosis?
Electrolyte Imbalance in Diabetic Ketoacidosis. If you have diabetes, it’s important to be familiar with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when lack of insulin and high blood sugar lead to potentially life-threatening chemical imbalances. The good news is DKA is largely preventable.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis and how is it treated?
In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis may be the first sign that a person has diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated with fluids, electrolytes — such as sodium, potassium and chloride — and insulin. Perhaps surprisingly, the most common complications of diabetic ketoacidosis are related to this lifesaving treatment.
What is the hallmark sign of diabetic ketoacidosis?
DKA can develop at any age and is most likely to occur in the insulin-dependent patient. The hallmark signs of DKA are a relative or absolute lack of insulin along with acidosis, ketosis, and hyperglycemia. … DKA and HHNK are emergency conditions requiring quick medical care and nursing intervention.
Why is potassium low in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Potassium may be low in DKA because this electrolyte is lost due to excessive urination or vomiting. When insulin is used to treat DKA, it can further lower the blood potassium by pushing it into cells.