Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition when the body has practically no insulin. This insulin deficiency results in extremely high blood sugar levels. Consequently, the muscle, fat and liver cells cannot use glucose for fuel. These cells are converted into glucose by hormones such as glucagon and adrenalin and turned into ketones through oxidation. As a result, the body uses fat for fuel. The increased levels of blood sugar are not flushed through urination. DKA is usually noticed in patients suffering from Insulin-dependent diabetes. A person can suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis if there has been severe dehydration and consequently the blood chemistry has been affected. There is accumulation of organic acids and ketones in the blood. Elevated ketone levels in the body upset its blood pH and make the blood acidic thereby triggering a toxic condition for the body's cells. Diabetic ketoacidosis is noticed when hyperglycemia exceeds over 300 mg/dL. If diabetes ketoacidosis is not attended in time, it can lead to coma and death. Surgery, infection, trauma, stroke or heart attack can also trigger diabetes ketoacidosis. Insufficient fluid intake, pancreatitis and alcohol abuse can trigger diabetes ketoacidosis.

Symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis include excessive thirst and general weakness. There is frequent urination, loss of appetite and vomiting. Other symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis are weight loss and abdominal pain. A person suffering from DKA tends to experience low blood pressure and increased heart rate. High ketone levels can give rise to a fruity-scent on the breath and vomiting. The patient will be restless and agitated. The skin will be hot and dry and appear flushed. Patients suffering from diabetes must check their blood glucose levels if they notice any symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis. Poor diabetes management can lead to DKA.

Acidosis can be checked by testing the pH of the blood. Normal blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. If it is observed to be below 7.35, acidosis may have set in. Ketosis, acidosis and hyperglycemia can be diagnosed through blood tests. The patient will need fluid replacement till the body is sufficienty rehydrated. Electrolytes must also be suitably replaced as they are essential to the working of major organs and nerve cells. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to severe health hazards. Intravenous insulin aids in using up glucose for energy. Thus the breakdown of fat is stopped. Consequently acidosis and ketosis processes will be reversed.

Glucophage is the brand name of the drug Metformin hydrochloride which is an oral antidiabetic medication. Metformin lowers the amount of sugar in the blood by decreasing sugar production and absorption by acting on the liver. It does not increase the body's production of insulin.
Type 2 diabetes has many treatment options as it appears to afflict people of many groups. Diabetes requires a change in life style and is best controlled by a measure of diet control and a regimen of exercises coupled with medications.
You may find more information about the diabetes diet in the Targetwoman collection of articles.

Metformin could cause a very rare and potentially fatal side effect known as lactic acidosis. It is caused by an excess of lactic acid in the blood. The problem is likely to occur in people with impaired liver or kidneys functions. Again this drug is contraindicated for patients with a history of cardiac problems. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that must be treated in a hospital. Metformin is contraindicated for patients with metabolic or Diabetic ketoacidosis - a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, pain below the breastbone and fruity breath. Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin.

Side Effects of Metformin: Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, gas, headache, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, general weakness though some patients rarely display symptoms like Abdominal distention, abnormal stools, altered sense of taste, constipation, dizziness and upper respiratory infection.

Dosage of Glucophage: Typically a starter dose is about 500 mg twice a day with meals. But a number of factors are taken into consideration before a doctor selects a dosage depending on the patient's condition. Glucophage XR is an extended release form and is prescribed as a single dose.

Glucophage is the brand name of the drug Metformin hydrochloride which is an oral antidiabetic medication. Metformin lowers the amount of sugar in the blood by decreasing sugar production and absorption by acting on the liver. It does not increase the body's production of insulin.
Type 2 diabetes has many treatment options as it appears to afflict people of many groups. Diabetes requires a change in life style and is best controlled by a measure of diet control and a regimen of exercises coupled with medications.
You may find more information about the diabetes diet in the Targetwoman collection of articles.

Metformin could cause a very rare and potentially fatal side effect known as lactic acidosis. It is caused by an excess of lactic acid in the blood. The problem is likely to occur in people with impaired liver or kidneys functions. Again this drug is contraindicated for patients with a history of cardiac problems. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that must be treated in a hospital. Metformin is contraindicated for patients with metabolic or Diabetic ketoacidosis - a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, pain below the breastbone and fruity breath. Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin.

Side Effects of Metformin: Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, gas, headache, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, general weakness though some patients rarely display symptoms like Abdominal distention, abnormal stools, altered sense of taste, constipation, dizziness and upper respiratory infection.

Dosage of Glucophage: Typically a starter dose is about 500 mg twice a day with meals. But a number of factors are taken into consideration before a doctor selects a dosage depending on the patient's condition. Glucophage XR is an extended release form and is prescribed as a single dose.