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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

This last group of symptoms indicate severe hyperglycemia, and probable ketoacidosis.

• Labored breathing
• Profound weakness
• Confusion
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Sweet, fruity breath
• Unconscious

These symptoms often happen with high blood sugar and may mean you have diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be a potentially life-threatening condition.

The onset of severe hyperglycemia and progression to DKA is usually pretty slow, so treating symptoms when they are mild is important.

Symptoms of Mild Hyperglycemia:

What is Hyperglycemia?

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Resources

American Diabetes Association
1701 N. Beauregard St.
Alexandria, VA 22311
1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383)

If not treated promptly a mild hypoglycemic reaction can quickly progress to a severe state:

Behavior/personality changes

The symptoms of mild hypoglycemia are the first alert that the body is in a state of sugar deficiency.  

Symptoms may include the following: