To continue our discussing on diabetes from last Tuesday, I
wanted to briefly focus on Diabetic Ketoacidosis. This is a serious consequence
of unregulated diabetes.
As mentioned last week, diabetes occurs when the body is not
producing enough insulin to drive glucose levels to a normal range. If this
happens for long enough, the body becomes desperate for energy and starts
producing ketones. These are not a very good source of energy for the body and
can lead to drastic imbalances in the body’s electrolytes and other blood
values.
These imbalances can lead to severe symptoms in addition to
the common symptoms of diabetes (increased drinking, urination, eating and
weight loss). You may also note, severe weakness, or lethargy, muscle loss,
dehydration and an unkempt coat. Some animals can even look jaundice (or
icteric), which is a yellowing of the eyes or mucous membranes. If these
symptoms are noted, your pet needs to be seen immediately. Many times they will
need supportive care at a 24 hour facility if the symptoms are severe.
Hospitalization will allow of intravenous fluids to combat dehydration and also
allow a way to deliver necessary electrolytes that are typically depleted. It
will also allow for regular glucose checks and insulin administration as
needed.
So why did DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) occur? In the
majority of patients it is a newly diagnosed diabetic whose symptoms were
undetected or not displayed until they were very sick. It can also be from a
patient that is having a hard time being regulated on their insulin regimen. A
third possibility is a patient that has been well regulated but has another
disease process occurring. This could be anything from an infection, to another
chronic condition or even neoplasia. Regular vet checks and sticking to strict
scheduling if your pet is diabetic can help minimize the chance that DKA will
occur. However, even following these protocols, it is possible for patients to
decompensate. That is why it is extremely important to work closely with your
veterinarian to manage any chronic condition.
For more information on diabetic ketoacidosis you can visit
this website.
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