30 | Living with Diabetes
KIDNEY DAMAGE DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS can also cause you to urinate often,
also called diabetic nephropathy also called DKA which leads to a lack of fl uids in the
body (dehydration).
Diabetes can also damage the blood Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) happens
vessels in your kidneys so they can’t when a combination of high blood DKA can be caused by missing an
fi lter out waste. This damage is sugar levels and not enough insulin insulin dose, eating poorly or feeling
called diabetic nephropathy. Some in the body causes a buildup of acids stressed. An infection or other illness
people who have nephropathy will called ketones. Ketones are toxic (such as pneumonia or a urinary tract
eventually need dialysis (a treatment (poisonous). If DKA isn’t treated, it can infection) can also lead to DKA.
that eliminates waste from the lead to diabetic coma and even death.
blood) or a kidney transplant. If you are diagnosed with DKA, your
The main cause of DKA is not enough doctor will most likely treat you
The risk for nephropathy increases insulin. A lack of insulin means with fl uids containing electrolytes
if you have both diabetes and high sugar can’t get into your cells, which and insulin (usually through an
blood pressure, so it is important to need sugar for energy. This causes IV). Fluids can help rehydrate you
control both of these conditions. your body’s glucose levels to rise. and dilute some of the sugar in your
Protein in the urine is usually the To get energy, the body starts to burn blood. Electrolytes will help your
fi rst sign of nephropathy. Your fat. This process causes ketones to body function normally. Insulin will
doctor should check for this yearly. build up. High blood glucose levels help lower your blood sugar level.
warning signs of DKA
DKA is a very serious condition. People who have diabetes should contact their doctor or get to a
hospital right away if they have the symptoms of DKA.
The fi rst symptoms to appear are usually: The next stage of DKA symptoms include:
Excessive Dry mouth Frequent Vomiting Abdominal Diarrhea Trouble
thirst urination (usually more pain breathing
than once)
Moderate or high ketone level in High blood Confusion Loss of Weakness and A fruity odor
the urine (which can be tested sugar level or trouble appetite fatigue on the breath
with a home urine test kit) concentrating
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