Diabetic Ketoacidosis: What You Need to Know

It is often desirable to burn fat. It’s an essential part of losing fat.

However, when someone is suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) their body is burning too much fat and produces ketones in excess. This results in an medical emergency that needs immediate and prompt attention.

But DKA should not be mistaken for normal, healthy ketones levels when in the Keto diet. DKA is a type of diabetes-related complication and is not a result of Keto eating.

Take five minutes to find out everything you must know about diabetic ketoacidosis. Let’s start with a little bit of fun, shall we?

What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis can be a life-threatening disease caused by high ketones, high blood sugar levels, and acidity excess that mostly is a problem for people suffering from Type 1 diabetes. It is a major problem in North America alone, there approximately 145,000 cases per year.

Many people have mechanisms that keep ketones from going excessively. Once ketones reach at a certain point the body tells it, “that’s enough!” and stops the process of burning fat.

However, people suffering from type 1 diabetes do not have these mechanisms. In particular, they are not able to produce an insulin hormone.

Insulin is a energy-regulating hormone that instructs cells to utilize sugar (glucose) or fat (fatty acids) to generate energy. The presence of insulin can enhance glucose metabolism while low levels promote metabolic processes involving fatty acids.

You can think you know where this is going. Without insulin (the characteristic of diabetics who are type 1) the body is an enzymatic fat-burning machine that produces ketone with no shut-off switch. The deficiency in insulin (the reason for DKA) is often caused by:Problems that are caused by the insulin pump or infection-related medication Drug or alcohol use

Let’s look at the symptoms and signs of DKA today.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Symptoms and Signs

The most prominent indications that are indicative of DKA are:Ketonemia (high ketone levels)Acidosis (low blood pH)Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)

These conditions can result in symptoms such as:Extreme thirstFrequent urinationHeadacheFatigueDry mouthNauseaAbdominal painWeight lossFruity breath (from a ketone called acetone)Rapid heartbeatFast, deep breathingDry skin

Since the symptoms are diverse, doctors will look on more objective biomarkers to diagnose DKA.

Testing for Diabetic Ketoacidosis

To determine DKA the doctor will take a look at blood sugar levels, pH and levels of ketone. In particular, they look for:Blood sugar levels of more than 250 mg/dL. PH of the blood less that 7.3 (acidity)Ketone levels greater than 3 mg/L

In the last several years the ketone test has replaced blood glucose tests as the most popular DKA diagnosis tool. The ketones can be detected in the breath, blood and urine, even though blood tests are the most reliable method.

The Keto Mojo meter, you can even test ketones and glucose right on your kitchen table Then, you can transfer your readings and data via Carb Manager. Carb Manager app. Thank you for modern technology.

Who’s at Risk for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

In general, people suffering from diabetes make up generally considered to be the “at-risk” population. Diabetic ketoacidosis is the most frequent among type 1 diabetics however, it may also affect people who suffer from type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetics.

Within this group there are a number of factors that contribute to the increase in DKA risk:Utilizing SGLT2 inhibitors, a kind of medication that lowers glucose levels. Using injectable insulin (vs. using insulin pumps)Being older or suffering from an illness that is life-threatening (increases the risk of dying from DKA)Drug or alcohol abuse

What do you think do you think about eating Keto?

Does The Keto Diet Cause Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Before we answer, it is important to differentiate between diabetic ketoacidosis as well as nutritional ketosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis refers to a condition that causes high blood sugar levels and elevated ketones. It’s seen in certain populations (people who suffer from diabetes) who aren’t able to produce insulin that can shut down fat burning and the production of ketones.

The ketosis process, which is known as nutritional, is a healthy and safe result of a carb-free diet. It’s been considered effective and safe for millennia. In the days when our Paleolithic predecessors were deficient in ketones, they fueled their bodies and brains with the purest, most efficient energy.

As you’ve probably guessed there are mechanisms in place to slow down fat burning when ketones begin rising. This is the reason why Exogenous ketones (aka keto pills) will not help in weight loss goals. Increase your ketones and you’ll decrease the amount of fat you burn.

However, those who suffer from diabetes must seek medical guidance before attempting an Keto diet. This is in part to prevent the condition known as hypoglycemia (low levels of blood sugar) although there’s at the very least a case study of a person with type 2 diabetes becoming DKA following a long fast, in conjunction with an Ketogenic diet.

Treatments for Diabetic Ketoacidosis

DKA is an emergency medical situation that warrants hospitalization. The most common treatments are:

Insulin therapy. 

The additional insulin blocks DKA in its origin by reducing the production of ketone and fats. 

Fluids. 

The signs and symptoms of DKA are usually caused by dehydration. The loss of fluid can be between 15% and 20% of the body weight, therefore replacing fluids is essential. 

Electrolytes. 

The low insulin levels cause depletion of electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium in urine. Replacing these minerals can help restore the fluid balance, energy levels, and muscle functioning. 

Antibiotics. 

A physician may prescribe antibiotics if they identify infection as a DKA trigger.

In severe cases, DKA could require intubation if respiratory problems develop but this should be the last option.

Preventing Diabetic Ketoacidosis

The best way to prevent DKA starts by assessing your health. If you’re not a risk for diabetes, there’s no need to be concerned about DKA.

If you suffer from diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, you must have a DKA prevention program. You must:Always check your blood sugar and the levels of ketone. (The Keto Mojo meter does both. )Work with a physician to determine the best insulin therapy.Avoid taking medications that aren’t needed, specifically insulin doses.Follow the meal plan in order to ensure blood sugar is within the healthy range. (Note that there is a lot of evidence to support Keto aiding in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but there’s not enough evidence to support the type one form of diabetes). Be extra cautious when sick, as infection can increase DKA risk.

Take these actions and you’ll soon be able to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis. It is common to want to burn fat however, it’s not always the case.