Diabetic Ketoacidosis
This condition which is called diabetic ketoacidosis is said to be present when:
1. Blood glucose is more than 300 mg/dl
2. Serum ketones are highly elevated
3. Serum ph is < 7.3
4. Bicarbonate is < 5 mEq/L
5. Urinalysis shows glucosuria and ketonuria
Diabetic ketoacidosis may lead to coma. In diabetic coma, there is a gradual onset over many hours of insufficient insulin and usually signs of infection.
The affected individual may have:
1. Polyuria, excessive urination
2. Polydipsia, excessive drinking of water
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Abdominal pain and
6. Kussmaul type of breathing
Upon physical examination, the affected individual will have a ketotic smell to the breath, a rapid pulse and sometimes a decrease in blood pressure.
Children with this condition should be admitted in the hospital for monitoring of their glucose level so that appropriate insulin therapy can be administered.
In addition to the therapeutic management of diabetic ketoacidosis, diet plays a great role too. However, the term diet is difficult for the patient and the family thus the term “nutritional requirement” is used in its place.
Just like other chronic illnesses, psychological problems may occur that may involve the patient himself, and or other members of the family.
Problems like diabetic diet, insulin administration, and a feeling of being different from peers, future marriage and possible offspring may arise.
Thus it is of utmost importance to have proper education regarding the disease and to have a good relationship between physician and patient that may result in the feeling of security and adequacy on the part of the patient.