Ketoacidosis
Diabetes eTraining Slide 19
What Is Ketoacidosis?
- Potential life-threatening condition due to buildup of ketones from severe hyperglycemia
- Ketones are substances that are made when the body breaks down fat for energy
- Develops over hours, or even days
- #1 reason for hospitalization for children with diabetes
- Can cause severe dehydration, coma, brain damage, or death
When To Check For Ketones
- Blood glucose remains elevated
- Student feels nauseated, vomits, or has abdominal pain
- Sick (for example, with a cold or flu)
- Feeling tired all the time
- Thirsty or has a very dry mouth
- Skin is flushed
- Difficulty or rapid breathing
- Breath smells 鈥渇ruity鈥�
- Feeling confused or 鈥渋n a fog鈥�
