Preventing diabetic ketoacidosis

There are several ways to prevent ketoacidosis, which causes acid to build up in the blood, such as managing diabetes, monitoring blood sugar, and adjusting insulin levels as needed.

Dr. Vo Tran Nguyen Duy (Department of Endocrinology - Diabetes, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City) said that ketoacidosis is the accumulation of acid in the blood of patients, occurring when blood sugar levels are too high and persist for too long. The condition is common in people with type 1 diabetes and less common in people with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication. Patients can treat and prevent ketoacidosis if their blood sugar is well controlled. Diabetic patients can prevent ketoacidosis in the following ways:

Diabetes management: Patients maintain a healthy diet and regular daily physical activity, and take diabetes medication or insulin as directed by their doctor.

Monitoring blood sugar levels: Patients should check and record their blood sugar levels at least 3-4 times a day, and more frequently if they are being treated for another condition or experiencing stress. Close monitoring helps ensure blood sugar levels remain stable.

Adjusting insulin dosage as needed: Patients should discuss with their doctor if they intend to adjust their insulin dosage to suit their individual needs. Factors to consider include blood sugar levels, food choices, and activity levels to see if they affect the condition. If blood sugar levels begin to rise, follow your doctor's advice and treatment plan to bring them back to a stable level.

Recognizing and treating the condition promptly: If you suspect you have ketoacidosis, you should see a doctor immediately.

Dr. Nguyen Duy further explained that the bodies of people with diabetes either don't produce enough insulin or don't use insulin effectively. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role by "connecting" blood sugar to cells to nourish the body. Without enough insulin, the body begins to break down fat for fuel, causing an accumulation of acids in the blood called ketones. If this condition is left untreated, the accumulation of acids leads to ketoacidosis.

Diabetic patients should not ignore warning signs of ketoacidosis such as thirst and frequent urination. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis develop rapidly, sometimes within 24 hours, and include: rapid and deep breathing; dry skin and mouth; flushed face; fruity-smelling breath; headache; muscle stiffness or pain; fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Sometimes, ketoacidosis is a sign of diabetes in people who have not been diagnosed with the disease.

People with diabetes should check and record their blood sugar levels at least 3-4 times a day. (Image: Freepik)

Doctor Nguyen Duy pointed out two main factors causing this condition in diabetic patients, including:

Other illnesses: Patients may experience loss of appetite, skip meals, and have difficulty controlling blood sugar levels. In cases of infection or worsening illness, certain hormones like adrenaline or cortisol are produced in greater quantities. These hormones counteract the effects of insulin, causing ketoacidosis. Pneumonia and urinary tract infections are common causes of ketoacidosis.

Insulin therapy: Diabetic patients are prescribed insulin injections, but for some reason, forgetting to inject, injecting insufficient doses, or using the wrong dose of insulin can all lead to ketoacidosis.

Other possible causes include heart attack or stroke; physical trauma such as a car accident or mental trauma; alcohol or drug abuse. The use of certain medications such as diuretics and corticosteroids; pancreatitis; and pregnancy can also lead to this condition.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious problem that occurs in people with diabetes. Therefore, when experiencing symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, patients should go to the nearest medical facility for timely treatment to avoid complications.

Quynh Dung

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