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What Is Diabetic Acidosis?

Diabetic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis, is one of the many complications that can arise from diabetes. Too little insulin--which helps sugar enter cells for energy-- can cause the body to use fat for energy, resulting in the release of ketones. For some, this condition can be the first sign you have diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  1. Cause

    • Type 1 diabetics cannot produce sufficient insulin needed to regulate blood sugar---the source of energy for cells. Excessively low insulin levels cause the body to release the aforementioned ketones---a toxic, poisonous acid.

      Diabetic acidosis affects type 2 diabetics much less commonly and is usually the result of severe illness, according to the National Library of Medicine. They also note this complication is more common in African-Americans and Hispanics.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms can manifest quickly--in as little as 24 hours, according to the Mayo Clinic. The most common include deep, fast breathing; dry skin and mouth; flushed appearance on the face; fruity breath; nausea; vomiting; and stomach pain. Other possible symptoms include fatigue, excessive urination and/or thirst, muscle pain, shortness of breath, confusion, headache and diminished appetite.

    Risk Factors

    • Type 1 diabetics younger than 19 years old have the greatest risk for developing this condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Complications

    • Complications include low blood sugar, low potassium levels, swelling in the brain, renal failure, heart attack, coma and death.

    Treatment

    • Fluid replacement will reduce excess blood sugar. Reduced insulin can affect the balance of electrolytes vital to heart, muscle and nerve function---electrolyte replacement can fix this imbalance and help these parts maintain normal function. You will also need IV insulin therapy until your blood sugar falls below 250 mg/dL, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor might administer other treatments to address the cause of the reduced insulin production---for example, antibiotics for an infection.

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