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Diabetic acidosis is a serious condition that occurs when there is a chemical imbalance in the system; the blood becomes dangerously acidic, there is an electrolyte imbalance, and the patient will experience extremely high blood glucose levels as well as low blood volume circulation. Some warning signs include increased thirst, nausea, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, double vision and/or loss of consciousness. If left untreated, acidosis can lead to coma or death.
Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetics are more prone to develop acidosis, but persons with Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes are also susceptible. It's important for all diabetics to monitor themselves carefully and stick to the treatment, diet and exercise plan their doctor has recommended.
If you, or someone you know, experience any of the warning symptoms of acidosis, it is important that help be sought immediately. A person suffering from acidosis, or DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) will require intravenous fluids, bed rest and increased injections of regular insulin.
What causes acidosis? Some common factors include illness, infection, improper diet, not taking enough insulin, trauma, surgery and stress. Acidosis is frequently seen in new diabetics or in someone suffering from undiagnosed diabetes. In fact, some diabetics are not diagnosed with the disease until they present the symptoms of acidosis. What might have mistakenly been thought to be a severe case of a stomach virus sometimes turns out to be diabetic acidosis.
If you are a diabetic, there are things you can do to help prevent acidosis. Always take your insulin as prescribed, watch your diet and if you become ill, follow your doctor's plan for sick days. You still have to take your insulin even if you feel too sick to eat. It is a good idea to give your physician a call if you develop an illness, especially one such as a flu that is accompanied by vomiting and fever. Your insulin requirements change during such times and your doctor will help you adjust your dosages. It's possible you will need to be hospitalized if you have the flu or a flu-like illness.
During times of extreme emotional stress, it is important to carefully monitor your blood sugars. Stick your finger every day to keep a check on glucose levels and adjust your insulin accordingly. Stress can adversely affect your diabetes; consult your doctor if you need help coping.
Infections will raise your blood sugar and put additional stress on your body. Should you develop an infection, you will need to see your doctor. Untreated infections can raise your blood sugar and make it necessary to increase your insulin doses. Monitor yourself daily--if your blood sugar rises and you notice any of the warning signs of acidosis, contact your doctor or go to an emergency room at once.
Some things you can do if you notice early symptoms of acidosis are: Drink plenty of fluids (nothing sweetened with sugar!), monitor your blood glucose and adjust your insulin accordingly, and get lots of rest. Sometimes it's possible to head off a hospital stay if you treat the symptoms early on. But if things get worse, if you start to vomit or pass out, get to a doctor as soon as possible. Acidosis is too dangerous to take lightly.
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