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Diabetes & Effects of Metabolic Alkalosis

Diabetes is a disease that results in excess blood glucose, or sugar. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1, your body does not produce insulin. In Type 2, which is much more common, your body does not produce or use insulin efficiently. Without insulin to process glucose, it builds up in your body. There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed with diet, exercise and medication. It's important to know that there are serious complications associated with diabetes, including metabolic alkalosis.

  1. Metabolic Alkalosis

    • Metabolic alkalosis is a condition that occurs when the body's fluids have an excess of alkali (base). Excess acid results in acidosis, and excess alkaline results in alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis can occur as a result of poor lung or kidney function, low carbon dioxide levels, prolonged vomiting that results in an extreme loss of chloride, an extreme lack of potassium or the presence of too much bicarbonate (base) in the blood. Diabetics often have decreased kidney function, which can lead to the development of metabolic alkalosis.

    Diabetes and Metabolic Alkalosis

    • There is a direct correlation between diabetes and metabolic alkalosis, due to diabetes interfering with the function of the kidneys, which in turn can disrupt the regulation of the blood's pH level. Blood pH must fall between 7.35 and 7.45. When the pH level is higher, the blood is more alkaline, and metabolic alkalosis can result.

    Side Effects of Metabolic Alkalosis

    • Metabolic alkalosis has several side effects that typically resolve with proper treatment. Side effects include light-headedness, nausea and vomiting, confusion, hand tremors and muscle twitching, and numbness or tingling in the face and extremities. These side effects usually resolve when the metabolic alkalosis is treated; however, prolonged muscle spasms or confusion that leads to a coma will need to be further evaluated and specially treated by a physician or medical team.

    Treatment and Prevention

    • Treatment for metabolic alkalosis should involve treating the symptoms, as well as the underlying cause of alkalosis. In the case of diabetes, blood sugar should be checked at regular intervals, and an appropriate diet and administering of insulin, if necessary, should be undertaken. Alkalosis caused by a chemical imbalance, such as a lack of chloride or potassium, will be treated using special medications.

    Precautions

    • If left untreated, metabolic alkalosis can lead to electrolyte imbalances, heart arrhythmia and even coma. If you suspect that you have metabolic alkalosis, you should seek medical attention immediately.

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