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Causes and symptoms of Ketoacidosis

Causes and symptoms of Ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis is a condition which is the result of ketone bodies being formed in high concentrations due to the breakdown of fatty acids in the bloodstream. This metabolic state is caused due to uncontrolled ketosis that causes the ph levels of healthy blood to drop due to the severe accumulation of these acids. The condition can become quite fatal if not treated in time, sometimes even resulting in death, according to ketoacidosis information from various medical sources.

This condition is even more prominent in people who are suffering from type 1 diabetes. People with diabetes are already dependent on external doses of insulin to help break down the sugar and glucose to release energy. During ketoacidosis, the insulin levels drop which then forces the body to start breaking down fatty acids leading to a severe chemical imbalance with side effects.

Causes and symptoms of ketoacidosis:

  • The rise in blood sugar levels is a major symptom which is the result of your body depending on the use of fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates for fuel. Increasing blood sugar levels will force the kidneys to dump the excess sugar into the urine. This, in turn, results in excessive urination and associated symptoms according to various sources of ketoacidosis information and facts on medical websites.
  • Dehydration is one of the major indicators, leading to ketoacidosis. Dehydration signals a stress response which triggers a chain reaction in your body to start breaking down fatty acids, as opposed to insulin breaking down glucose and sugar to produce the energy needed. The excess fatty acids break down releases ketones in the bloodstream.
  • Common infections have known to contribute to the developing condition of ketoacidosis. Even people who have been affected by diarrhea, or are suffering from nausea or high fever have a chance of developing ketoacidosis.
  • For people who are suffering from type 1 diabetes, even missing a regular dose of insulin can aggravate the symptoms. It is imperative to maintain the required levels of insulin regardless of the source of insulin (i.e. naturally produced by your body or insulin injections)
  • Other common causes of developing ketoacidosis include increased intake of alcohol which leads to alcoholic ketoacidosis and starvation which leads to starvation ketoacidosis, which is the result of unexplained metabolic activity in your body.

Relevant ketoacidosis information about causes, symptoms, lifestyle changes, home remedies can be found online. A targeted approach when it comes to ketoacidosis treatment is recommended by medical professionals depending on the main source of the symptoms and severity of the condition. It is advisable to seek immediate medical help once the symptoms start showing up.