Diabetics are at risk of developing ketoacidosis due to elevated ketones in the bloodstream. Ketones are the acid left over when the body burns fat cells for energy. Symptoms include nausea, difficulty breathing, and fruity breath. Testing for ketones using a diabetes urine test can help diagnose and treat the problem.
Every diabetic should be aware of the connection between ketones and diabetes. Due to the risk of elevated ketones in the bloodstream, diabetics can develop a potentially harmful condition known as ketoacidosis. By understanding the risks created by the presence of high blood ketones, diabetics can be aware of some of the warning signs and seek treatment before the condition leads to further complications.
To better understand the relationship between ketones and diabetes it is necessary to define what is meant by ketones. Simply put, this is the amount of acid that is left over when the body starts burning fat cells as a means of generating energy for the body. As more fat is burned, ketones begin to build up in the bloodstream and can eventually lead to a variety of physical ailments, including nausea and an inability to breathe. If left untreated, ketoacidosis can even lead to falling into a coma.
This understanding of the relationship between ketones and diabetes is especially important for diabetics, as the body burns more fat in an attempt to compensate for its inability to convert carbohydrates into energy effectively. A vicious cycle can emerge, as the body stores consumed carbohydrates as fat if those carbohydrates are not converted into energy. The body then burns fat for energy, leaving ketones behind to clog blood flow. As the ketone level increases, the patient experiences more illnesses which only serve to put more stress on the body for energy by increasing the presence of ketones in the blood.
There are a number of symptoms that can manifest when an individual suffers from a combination of high ketones and diabetes. Nausea is a common problem, along with frequent bouts of regurgitation after meals. The patient is also likely to feel a little lightheaded and have difficulty breathing. It’s not uncommon for your breath to smell fruity when ketone levels rise.
Luckily for people dealing with the presence of ketones and diabetes, there are tests that can identify both the presence and the level of these acids in the blood. Testing for ketones using a simple diabetes urine test is often enough to determine the level of ketones present and allow you to take immediate action to address the problem. Often, a balanced diabetic diet along with drinking water at regular intervals throughout the day will be part of the treatment process, along with any other strategies the doctor deems are in the patient’s best interests.
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