Diabetic ketoacidosis or (DKA) is a complication of diabetes. When the individual’s blood sugar gets very high and they are profoundly deficient in insulin, the body becomes unable to utilize blood sugar efficiently.

The body then begins to burn fat stores for food. As these fat stores are burned, a by product is released called Ketones. It is ketones that are responsible for lowering the body’s pH level below 7.35. Metabolic acidosis occurs when the pH of the body drops below 7.35. The body attempts to excrete the ketones via the kidneys, causing ketones to be released in the urine, a term called ketonuria. However along with the negative ketones, the body’s positively charged electrolytes are also excreted. This leads to an electrolyte imbalance. The body continues to burn other glucose stores in the body such as proteins, causing nitrogen losses.

Now the body has depletion in electrolytes. This can cause nausea and vomiting, depleting more electrolytes. The individual is now in a severe hyperglycemic state and is hypovolemic as well. If these conditions are left untreated, the person can go into hypovolemic shock, become comatose and die.

Outward signs and symptoms of DKA include the following; eyeballs are soft and appear sunken, skin turgor is poor, (Dehydration of tissues can be tested by pinching the skin fold on the sternum. If the skin stays in one place or does not loose its shape rapidly, then dehydration can be assumed.), the person is very pale, cold, clammy, and exhibits deep rapid respirations, an effort the body makes to eliminate excess carbon dioxide. The individual may also exhibit severe abdominal pain and tachycardia, (heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute.) Diagnostic laboratory findings from arterial blood gases would indicate a pH less than 7.35, blood glucose level greater than 250 mg/dL, serum bicarbonate level less than 15 mEq/L, as well as ketones in the urine.

Interventions must be immediate to prevent irreversible destruction to the body’s organs and prevent coma or death. Ensure a patent airway, and begin to administer oxygen via nasal cannula or mask. Establish an intravenous access with a large bore needle (18 to 20 gauge). Begin fluid stabilization with 0.9 Normal Saline. This is an isotonic fluid, compatible with the body’s pH. The purpose of using an isotonic infusion initially is to re-establish blood pressure which was low and to increase urinary out put to 30-60ml/hr. When urinary output is less than 30 ml/hr, kidney failure can rapidly occur. Fluids should continue for one hour or until stabilization occurs. Next begin insulin infusion with a drip rate or 0.1U/kg/hr. During this time it is important to monitor the person’s vital signs every fifteen minutes until stable or for at least one hours after treatment begins. If necessary, potassium should be administered to correct for hypokalemia, and sodium bicarbonate to correct for metabolic acidosis, if the pH is less than 7.0. The person should also have electrocardiogram leads placed on chest to monitor heart rhythms.

When the diabetic is at home and feels these bodily signs and symptoms beginning to occur, they should take the following steps; call 911, check their blood sugar, administer insulin per sliding scale, drink an electrolytic fluid, (i.e., sports fluids), breath into a paper bag, use oxygen if available, lie down, raise feet level with the heart and wait for the ambulance.

Preventative measures to avoid DKA include consistent control of blood sugar with administration of insulin per protocol. The diabetic should avoid too much food intake, and avoid taking too much or too little insulin. Stressful life situations can also cause elevations in glucose levels. Therefore the diabetic should prepare to check their blood sugar more often during times of stress and administer insulin as prescribed.

Understanding the complications of diabetes can help the diabetic take the necessary actions to prevent DKA from occurring and help them live a healthy life.

References:

1. Lewis, Heiitkemper, Dirkesen, Medical Surgical Nursing 6th ed., Copyright 2006, Mosby, St. Louis., pages 1273 -1278.
2. www.defeatdiabetes.org/support_groups
3. www.accu-chek.com
4. www.Type2Diabetes-Info.com
5. www.ChildrensDiabetesFdn.org
6. www.diabetesinmichigan.org
7. www.diabetesmonitor.com

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Diabetes is a condition which develops when your body’s insulin (a hormone that helps convert blood sugar/glucose into energy) production becomes inhibited. This has a knock effect on your blood sugar levels which increase due to this lack of insulin. However, the associated symptoms are often difficult to identify. A lot of the time the symptoms are so mild that they are not noticed and in other cases the symptoms take years to develop. In this article I will be discussing four of the top diabetes symptoms that you should look out for.

1) HYPERGLYCAEMIA:- Hyperglycaemia refers to higher than normal blood sugar levels which in most cases are brought about by the lack of insulin in a diabetic person’s body. Insulin usually works as a control mechanism and keeps blood sugar within a normal range (around 80 milligrams per decilitre to 110 mg/dL). Without insulin blood sugar levels can consistently become higher than normal and in diabetics persistent hyperglycaemia is common. Blood sugar levels are said to be hyperglycaemic if they are consistently above 126 mg/dL. With persistent hyperglycaemia comes a number of symptoms which include:

- Blurred Vision.
- Constant Thirst.
- Hunger Pangs.
- Frequent Urges to Urinate.
- Persistent Weakness/Tiredness.

Hyperglycaemia does require your attention. Insulin injections can be used for mild occurrences but more severe occurrences may require medical treatment.

2) HYPOGLYCAEMIA:- Hypoglycaemia refers to lower than normal blood sugar levels. It can be brought about by not eating enough calories on a day to day basis, not consuming enough calories post exercise and excessive alcohol consumption. Although hypoglycaemia can affect all diabetics it is most common in type 1 diabetics when they inject too much insulin. The symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:

- Blurred Vision.
- Dizziness.
- Hunger Pangs.
- Shaking.
- Sweating.

Like hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia will require your attention. Mild occurrences can usually be overcome by eating 10g – 20g of sugar or consuming glucose tablets. However, more serious hypoglycaemia will require glucagon to be injected via paramedics.

3) DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS (DKA):- When your body fails to convert blood sugar into energy it starts to use fat and muscle for energy instead. The breakdown of fat causes ketones (fatty acids) to be released into the bloodstream and over time these build up and lead to the onset of DKA. DKA is most prevalent in type 1 diabetics and is usually brought about by a lack of insulin which prevents your body from getting adequate energy from the available blood sugar. However, it can also be linked with illness and infection. The symptoms of DKA include:

- Abdominal Pain.
- Fruity Smelling Breath.
- Dry Skin.
- Vomiting.

DKA is one of the more serious symptoms of diabetes and will require immediate medical attention. In the worst cases it can be fatal.

4) HYPEROSMOTIC NON-KETOTIC ACIDOSIS (HONK):- HONK is most prevalent in type 2 diabetics. It occurs when the body responds to the high levels of blood sugar by passing additional urine. This can then lead to extreme dehydration and HONK for which the symptoms include:

- Dry Skin.
- Excessive Thirst (which does not disappear following fluid consumption).
- Fevers.

Like with DKA, HONK is very serious condition and requires proper medical attention right away.

I hope this article helps you identify the often elusive symptoms of diabetes. The symptoms can range from the mild (which are normally self treatable) to the serious (which usually require professional medical assistance). However, remember that the symptoms are only an indicator of diabetes. For the best results you should go and book yourself in for an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible and get yourself tested for diabetes.

Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. For more detailed information on the symptoms of diabetes and how it can be properly managed with a healthy lifestyle please visit Tom’s Fitness Tips blog

The quality of life and health are greatly increased when those who are diabetic control their blood glucose levels consistently throughout the day. Tight glycemic control can prevent many of the illnesses associated with diabetes such as peripheral neuropathy, glaucoma, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. A good predictor of careful blood glucose monitoring is the Hemoglobin A1C test. This test can measure the amount of glucose that has bound to blood cells over ninety to a one hundred and twenty day period, which is the approximate life of a red blood cell. As it happens, glucose, once bound to a red blood cell, stays bound to it for the course of the blood cells life. The acceptable level that indicates good glycemic control is 7.0% or less. (1). Levels greater than this indicate that the diabetic individual needs to exert greater control over their blood sugar levels. Many times, diabetics will insist that they are doing a successful job at monitoring their blood glucose levels, until their hemoglobin A1C results come back with results greater than 7.0%.

It is not unusual for diabetics to become frustrated, or overwhelmed with the task of managing their blood glucose, administering insulin and eating a well balanced diet. Those diabetics, who have led a sedentary life style, are over weight, drink and or smoke, are placing their health in jeopardy by not adhering to their blood glucose monitoring regime. Finger sticks two to four times a day are not pleasant. Combine that with the insulin injections, and it is no wonder that many diabetics continue to ignore their medical problem. Also, many diabetics will say that they feel good, so there is no reason to monitor their blood glucose carefully. What the diabetic needs to understand is that although they may feel well, their blood glucose can still be at a level that is physiologically destructive. A blood glucose level of 160mg/dl may not make the diabetic notice any physical symptoms, but internally that extra sugar can break down muscle tissue, affect their kidneys and start plaque build up in their arteries by raising their LDL’s (low density lipoproteins). Family, friends and visiting nurses can help the diabetic manage their blood glucose consistently. Those members of the family who buy the groceries should keep healthy foods on hand for snack time such as yogurts, carrots, fruit, nuts, and whole grain cereals. Family members should try to eat the same foods as their diabetic member. Limiting carbonated beverages, cakes, cookies and processed sweets in the household will help the diabetic family member realize that they are important and help them to adhere to a well balanced diet. It is important for the diabetic family member to know that they are not alone.

Friends can help in a similar fashion by suggesting a healthy restaurant when dinning out, such as Mediterranean or sea food cuisine. The visiting nurse can help by meeting with the diabetic client and the rest of the family, offering praise, support and knowledge. Praise and encouragement from the nurse can help renew the clients hope and the family’s commitment to the health of their loved one. The visiting nurse can bring new knowledge about treatments and tests, verify that the client is using the equipment properly and assess the injection sites. They can also bring supplies to the home, such as syringes, alcohol wipes and brochures.

Diabetic support groups are also very helpful. Family members should encourage their loved one to attend and accompany them. The more knowledgeable a family is about their loved ones illness the better they will be at helping them manage their condition successfully.

Family members need to encourage their diabetic loved one to express their feelings. Let them weep, cry, yell and or scream. Give them the freedom to express their emotions in an accepting and loving environment. Whether the diabetic is six or sixty, diabetes can make one feel all alone, and this can lead to apathy towards their illness. Family and friends can play a crucial role in helping the diabetic manage their blood sugar so that they can live a long, healthy and happy life.
Below is a list of some of the diabetic support groups.

References:
1. Lewis, Heiitkemper, Dirkesen, Medical Surgical Nursing 6th ed., Copyright 2006, Mosby, St. Louis., pages 1273 -1278.
2. www.defeatdiabetes.org/support_groups
3. www.accu-chek.com
4. www.Type2Diabetes-Info.com
5. www.ChildrensDiabetesFdn.org
6. www.diabetesinmichigan.org
7. www.diabetesmonitor.com

The nursing entrance test study guide provides nurses the assistance they need with the nursing entrance test. The nursing study guide helps nurses. Written by a Professor of Education for nurses, the guide has over 600 pages with details answers to every question.

Pass the Nursing Entrance Test the first time with our guide at Nurses Learning Center. Written by a Professor of Education for nurses, the guide has over 600 pages with details answers to every question.

Research into diabetes is increasing all the time. Despite this no one actually knows what specifically causes diabetes. This has led to a number of rumours circulating some which are partially true and others which hold no truth at all. In this article I will be discussing what is known about the causes of diabetes.

1) GENERAL CAUSES:- We know that diabetes develops as a result of your body’s cells not getting enough insulin (a hormone which helps convert blood sugar/glucose into energy). This is usually because your pancreas fails to generate enough insulin or because your body’s cells start to resist insulin. Although we know what leads to the development of diabetes we do not currently know why this happens in certain individuals and not others.

2) GESTATIONAL DIABETES (GDM):- Again we do not know the exact causes of GDM although it is strongly linked with hormonal changes that occur during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. During this time the placenta releases hormones which block the normal action of insulin to ensure that the growing baby gets enough glucose. This causes pregnant women’s insulin needs to increase by two or three times the normal rate. Failure to meet this need leads to the onset of GDM. Approximately 5% of pregnant women develop GDM and although we have a good idea of what causes it, we do not know why it affects certain women and not others. There are a number of associated risk factors but currently no definitive reason.

3) TYPE 1 DIABETES:- Type 1 diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreas as the result of an auto-immune attack where the body’s immune system starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. Once more, whilst we know what causes type 1 diabetes we are still unsure what triggers this response. A number of suggestions have been put forward (including viral infections and faulty nerves) but currently none of these suggestions can be applied universally.

4) TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PRE-DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes is an early form of type 2 diabetes and the causes of each are very similar. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops responding to insulin. The pancreas reacts by producing additional insulin and the liver responds by releasing extra glucose. Over time this limits the effectiveness of the pancreas and further increases insulin resistance in the body. As with the other types of diabetes we do not know what causes the above reaction. However, there is very strong evidence that type 2 diabetes is linked to age, ethnicity, family history, inactivity and obesity.

5) RUMOURS:- Since the exact cause of diabetes is unknown, there are a number of false suggestions floating around. These include diabetes being contagious (there is a hereditary element but it cannot be passed directly from person to person), diabetes being caused by sugar (excessive sugar consumption does not cause diabetes but is linked with obesity, a diabetes risk factor) and stress causing diabetes (stress can aggravate the condition in diabetics but there is currently no evidence that it causes diabetes).

Currently, we have a general understanding of what happens inside our bodies to cause diabetes. However, the trigger behind these causes is still a mystery. Perhaps the strongest link is that between inactivity, obesity and type 2 diabetes but even this does not fully explain why some obese individuals never develop the disease. As research into the causes of diabetes continues, the best advice is to try and keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. Keeping your weight under control, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can all play their part in this process.

Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. The Free Fitness Tips blog provides you with fantastic, free advice on all aspects of fitness. For more detailed information on the causes of diabetes please visit the Free Fitness Tips blog

Diabetes is now one of the leading causes of death in America and according to the International Diabetes Institute; it is becoming a global epidemic. The institute predicts that by 2025, some 300 million people will suffer with diabetes. Further, the health professionals who make up the institute say by that time diabetes will be a major killer in the global community.

Findings from a recent conference show that many suffer from diabetes but do not know it. By the time they discover it, there is often skin damage as well as corrosion of tissues and organs. The effects of diabetes on the body can be reversible in many cases. Doctors will often recommend a dramatic change in diet and an increase in water intake in an effort to flush the body.

Research in Japan, Russia and other countries shows that alkaline water is a critical warrior in effectively battling diabetes. Alkaline water is hydrogen rich and therefore promotes healing. The diabetic patient will often suffer from dry skin, lack of energy and ulcers. Water restructured to increase alkaline presence serves as an anti-oxidant. When introduced as a regular part of a nutritional plan, patients remarkably respond to the treatment.

Electro-oxidized water features very unique characteristics. These characteristics: high positive oxidation, high concentration of dissolved chloride and oxygen among other things are known as alkaline water. Alkaline water has proven to be successful in the treatment of diabetes in many eastern nations. In Japan, physicals will require patients drink about 9 to 10 glasses of alkaline ionized water per day. The heavy oxygen ions in the water combat free radicals in the bodies. Once free radicals are eradicated or beat back, the human body begins to respond to the living alkaline water.

The alkaline water in essence decreases the size of molecules in the body while increasing hydration. The water (a seemingly water for life) also aids in blood circulation. Diabetes is caused by the pancreas inability to process insulin properly. Japanese medical journals say part of the breakdown in the pancreas in diabetes patients is the presence of free radicals. Alkaline water, say the journals, is a natural agent in reversing the effects of those free radicals.

Regular intake of alkaline water or alkaline ionized water, according to researchers, can reduce the need for insulin by some 50 percent. For many American patients, the concept of alkaline water in treatment for health concerns is still new and therefore not widely promoted. Yet, alkaline water as additional treatment or alternative treatment may be something you discuss in detail with your doctor.

Alkalize water can Flush Toxins and Neutralize Acidity in your body. Alkalized water has gone through a
Special Electrolysis Process that changes the pH of the water to ALKALINE and more. It describes water returned to the state in which water was often found in nature before the earth became polluted