DKA explanation (ketones)
Loretta,
I’m glad you will see an endo. Ketones are dangerous. A major symptom is a
fruity-like odor to the breath. Ketones lead to ketoacidosis (DKA), which
leads to coma, which leads to death. I’m including an
explanation from another site because a DMer of many years didn’t even know
what they were. Pumpers need to be especially careful because of using
Humalog only and it is out of the system quickly. Gail and I both pump. The
fat-burning thing is a reason why it is not advisable for a T-1 to go on a
high-protein, low-carb diet. Carbs are necessary.
The body can burn carbohydrates and/or
fats. If it has extra fuel left over it converts it
into fat for storage and use later. Now, the body
can’t burn carbohydrates unless it can transport them
across the cell membrane (which is what insulin is
for). If it can’t burn carbs then it needs to burn fat
(otherwise it’s like a power outtage in your body…
not a good thing) (this, btw, is also why we tend to
lose weight during bouts of DKA — Diabetic
Ketoacidosis)
Now, burning fat is not a bad thing (as such), HOWEVER,
the body needs SOME carbs in order to burn fat
efficiently. Without carbs, the burning of fat yields
toxic byproducts called ketones. These are very large
molecules which have a habit of ripping up your small
capillaries and ripping through the membranes in your
kidneys, WHICH is a “Bad Thing.”
When your BGs are high it means little or no carbs are
getting into your cells and you’re burning fats poorly,
a quick check for ketones in your urine will tell you
if you’re only producing small amounts of ketones or
dangerously toxic levels. If these levels get too high
it indicates that you’ve been in heavy DKA for long
periods of time.
(Jan again): This makes you very thirsty and nauseated. Often a trip to the
ER is required. I’m surprised your dr. told you ketones were present and did
nothing. You need that endo!! Hope he is very DM aware.
Jan
August 3rd, 2007 at 9:16 am
Loretta,
If you are showing ketones, there is a possibility that you actually have
Type 1 IDDM. Be SURE to tell the endo and he can do a c-peptide test. You
may have been in a honeymoon period and are now out of naturally-produced
insulin. Connie on this list went a couple of years before finding out the
*truth.* But, be sure to thell him. Make a list of Q’s to take with you and
don’t leave his office without satisfaction of answers.
Since you want to get pregnant again, this would be important for your
treatment. I want that endo date to hurry for you, but it will make ME a
year older!
dr. Jan
August 4th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Jan
Thanks for the info. I’m so glad that my dr. referred me to the endo. I’m
scared now. If i can remember correctly, she said the amount was low. But I
can’t swear that’s what she said because it’s been a few weeks since she told
me that.
Loretta
August 10th, 2007 at 5:49 am
Jan
What is a c-peptide test? What would it tell the dr?
Loretta