Newly Diagnosed Diabetes

Newly Diagnosed Diabetes: Admittance to hospital

Hyperglycaemia ( elevated blood glucose levels ) can lead to DKA ( Diabetic Ketoacidosis )a life – threatening but reversible condition, which occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.  A person who has developed Diabetes, and is not yet diagnosed,  may need admittance to the hospital with DKA.

DKA is always the result of inadequate insulin availability for the amount of glucose in the blood, to be metabolised.

As a result, the body depends on fat for energy, and ketones are formed.  Ketones spill into the urine, hence the reliance on urine testing for ketones.  DKA is characterized by elevated serum glucose levels greater than 13.88mmol/L (or 250mg / dL ) an elevated serum ketone level, a pH of less than 7.3, and serum bicarbonate level less than 18 mEq / L ( 18mmol / L)

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss,  irritability or blurred vision may have developed over time.

Upon admittance a patient may also experience hyperventilation, dehydration, extreme fatigue and the fruity odour of ketones.  Treatment includes supplemental insulin (injections), fluid and electrolyte replacement, and medical monitoring.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus manifests also with hyperglycaemia, fatigue, excessive thirst and frequent urination, but not with DKA.