Call your doctor if your ketones are low to moderate, and seek emergency medical attention if your ketone levels are high to very high. Ketones can make your blood acidic. Acidic blood can cause DKA. The most serious effects of DKA include:. Alcoholic ketoacidosis ». Treating high ketone levels can immediately help you avoid hospitalization for DKA. Work with your doctor to decide what you need to do to help manage moderate ketone levels. Treatments can include:. One DKA symptom is increased urination, which can result in fluid loss.
Rehydrating with IV fluids can help to dilute the extra glucose in your blood. When a person has DKA, their electrolyte levels tend to be low.
Examples of electrolytes include potassium , sodium, and chloride. In an emergency situation, people are usually given insulin through an IV to improve their ability to use excess glucose in the blood for energy.
This typically involves testing glucose levels on an hourly basis. When your ketones and blood acid level begin to return to normal, IV insulin may no longer be necessary, and you would resume your normal insulin therapy regimen.
DKA can also be caused by an underlying illness, such as an infection or a severe stomach bug that causes vomiting. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe treatments for the underlying illness as well.
Careful management of diabetes is the key to preventing high ketone levels. Ketones and ketoacids are alternative fuels for the body that are made when glucose is in short supply. They are made in the liver from the breakdown of fats. This occurs overnight, and during dieting or fasting. During these periods, insulin levels are low, but glucagon and epinephrine levels are relatively normal.
This combination of low insulin, and relatively normal glucagon and epinephrine levels causes fat to be released from the fat cells.
A person can test for ketoacidosis using a kit at home. Ketosis does not usually occur in people who eat balanced diets and regular meals. Drastically reducing calorie and carb intake, exercising for extended periods, or being pregnant may trigger ketosis. Although some people choose to put the body through ketosis, the risk of increased acid levels can be dangerous in those who are not controlling it. In people with diabetes, ketosis and eventually DKA can occur if they do not use enough insulin, if they skip meals, or if an insulin reaction occurs.
An insulin reaction usually happens while asleep. Doctors consider DKA an emergency, as it can lead to a diabetic coma and even death. Emergency healthcare workers will usually administer treatment followed by hospitalization in an intensive care unit. In otherwise healthy people, following a healthful, balanced diet and exercising regularly can help prevent ketosis.
People with diabetes should keep an eye on their ketone levels with a test kit, particularly when ill or under stress. Many studies have demonstrated the powerful weight loss effects of a low carb, or keto, diet. However, this diet can be difficult to maintain and may cause health problems in people with certain conditions, such as type 1 diabetes. DKA is a particularly dangerous complication of ketosis that can occur when ketosis makes the blood too acidic.
Emergency treatment is necessary for people experiencing DKA. Most people can try the keto diet safely. However, it is best to discuss any significant changes to diet with a dietitian or doctor. This is especially the case in those with underlying conditions.
A runner's diet should contain a healthy balance of macronutrients, adequate carbohydrates, and micronutrients from plant foods. Learn more. Learn why some people might need to follow a mechanical soft diet, the foods they can eat safely, and the foods they may wish to avoid here. Caffeine, fatty foods, and foods high in sugar can all negatively affect sleep and keep people awake. Call your doctor if the levels increase.
Exercise is often a good way to bring down high blood sugar—but not when ketones are present. Never exercise when your urine checks show moderate or large amounts of ketones and your blood sugar is high. It may make your blood sugar level go even higher. Learn more about ketones.
Log in menu Manage Account Search. Donate now. Five Things to Know About Ketones. Last reviewed: August 31, Last edited: August 31,
0コメント