
What Happens If Your Blood Sugar Gets Too High – Diabetic ketoacidosis, also known as DKA, occurs when the body has a severe lack of insulin. This means that the body cannot use sugar for energy, and starts using fat instead. When this happens, chemicals called ketones are released. If left unchecked, ketones can build up and make your blood acidic—hence the name acidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that affects people with type 1 and occasionally people with type 2 (although they are more likely to be affected by a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)).
What Happens If Your Blood Sugar Gets Too High
Some children and adults who do not know they have type 1 are not diagnosed until they are very unwell with DKA. It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of DKA so that it can be treated quickly.
What Is Normal Blood Sugar? Here’s Everything You Need To Know.
Here are some warning signs to look out for if DKA is serious if not treated quickly. Share this information with friends, relatives or anyone who looks after children, such as teachers and babysitters. This is so that they can also detect the symptoms of DKA.
Here Kate tells us about when her son Lewis became seriously ill with DKA and was immediately diagnosed with type 1.
Although it is most common in people with type 1, people with type 2 can sometimes develop DKA. It is very important to seek immediate medical attention if you notice high blood sugar levels and any of the following signs.
In her video Kate mentions the 4Ts which are the four most common signs of type 1. They are:
Alarming Signs That Your Blood Sugar Is Too High
Early signs of DKA can often be treated with extra insulin and fluids if they are caught quickly. But if it doesn’t, DKA requires hospital treatment and can be life-threatening.
These symptoms are sometimes referred to as a ‘diabetic attack’, but can also refer to other things, such as hypoglycaemia. You will notice that these signs develop within 24 hours but they can appear quickly, especially in children or if you use a pump. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is a sign that you need to seek immediate medical attention.
If your blood sugar is high, check ketones. You can test your blood or your urine for ketones. A blood test will show your ketone levels in real time but a urine test will show what they were a few hours ago.
If you have type 1 you should get a free blood ketone monitor or urine testing strips from the NHS. If your blood ketone levels are high and DKA is suspected, you should seek medical help immediately.
Causes Of High Blood Sugar In Nondiabetics
DKA is serious and should be treated quickly in a hospital. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening conditions.
You will also be closely monitored to make sure there are no serious problems with your brain, kidneys or lungs.
You will be able to leave the hospital when you are well enough to eat and drink and tests show a safe level of ketones in your body.
You can help avoid DKA by monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly and adjusting your insulin dosage in response to your blood sugar levels and what you eat.
What Should You Do When Your Blood Sugar Is High?
Your blood sugar levels may be higher than normal when you are unwell. So, it’s a good idea to work with your healthcare team to come up with some sick day rules for when you’re sick. You may need to drink more fluids, take more insulin, and check your blood sugar more often than you normally would. The amount of extra insulin needed varies from person to person. Your team will help determine the right dose for you (or your child).
“[Having DKA] has taught me that it’s so important to listen to your body. No matter how many HCPs you visit, whether it’s a GP or a specialist or a family friend who works in the field, you know. Your body and you. Know what feels right and what doesn’t. When it comes down to it, it’s so important to trust your instincts.” 21 year old Amber had DKA What causes DKA?
For some people, suddenly becoming very ill with DKA is what leads them to discover they have type 1 in the first place.

Sometimes, there isn’t always a clear trigger for DKA which can be worrying and confusing. But if you suspect you or your child has DKA, it’s important to get medical help right away.
What Causes Low Blood Sugar Without Diabetes?
If you are concerned about any aspect of managing, you can always call our helpline on 0345 123 2399 for support. Alternatively, you can visit our forum where many people are willing to provide support and share their experiences. Sit on the sun deck with the first cup of coffee and the birds. I feel as if I haven’t slept a wink, and my head aches. I could have gone to bed and slept all day, but work was waiting. It’s a beautiful, sunny day, but my body feels heavy, and stuck to the chair.
Lifting my arms hurts. My blood sugar was 381 this morning. again I think about facing the day at the office. Driving down the interstate, the lines are blurry.
I know if the DMV gets wind of it, I might not be driving as high as my A1C. When I get to the office, I walk in with a dark fog feeling around me, and take a few deep breaths at my desk. As I begin to review month-end reports, the numbers blur, and I can’t focus on them. My 36 ounce water bottle leaves a sweat on the desk with only a few sips, and it’s across the building to the bathroom.
Sometimes there is a race to get there on time. My body is taught and inflated like the Blueberry Girl from Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. My blood sugar is a blue river of sticky blueberries filling as I roll down the hall toward the bathroom. I think if I had a needle, I could pop myself.
Signs Of Low Blood Sugar Levels
That would be a mess for sure. My skin is so dry and flaky that no amount of lotion will hydrate it. No amount of water can quench my thirst, and my mouth feels like the Sahara desert. With one hand on the water cooler and the other on the bathroom door, I watched what I could until I realized I couldn’t wait any longer.
I was off regular insulin, and I took my long acting insulin. I was not so patiently waiting for him to enter. This morning was not starting off so well. I have to deal with the reports in my current brain fog. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. I was expecting “the talk”.
My mind drifted to memories of weekends, and family gatherings. The food was delicious, and all my favorite family dishes were spread out on Aunt Ruth’s outdoor table. There was no way I wasn’t going to be involved. Yes, I should exercise after we eat. I had cheesecake and brownies. It was too much for my weak will power. I could have gotten my sister to ride the bike with me.
But my high blood sugar felt too heavy for that great big beast. I can imagine myself trying to pedal a two-seater with that 300 pound weight tagging on. It couldn’t be done, so I took a nap instead. Sometimes, your exhaustion takes over your need to organize. Then diabetes wins. It’s a struggle to get back on track, and one Sunday slip-up can set you back a month. Guilt and despair prevail.
Blood Sugar Chart: What’s The Normal Range For Blood Sugar?
I checked my bag for my Ketosticks. Opened the bottle, and voila!! 1 strip left. Returning to the bath room is no problem! My co-worker said I had a “fruity” smell, and asked what my perfume was. No further hints are needed, and positive. Of course! DKA, oh joy!
I was having a little trouble breathing and my heart was pounding. I quickly called my supervisor and told him my situation. She agreed that a trip to the doctor was necessary. I gathered my things, and prepared for my third episode in a year.
I had to control myself better. An A1C of 9.7 was not good. I would try to do better, but for now I was an uncontrollable nightmare. Not every high episode was this bad, thankfully. At the hospital, I was pumped, hooked up to IV insulin and fluids. I didn’t sleep much there either.
The stress of everyone coming in and out of my room all night made me want to better control myself so I wouldn’t have to turn back. Next time, I won’t let my high blood sugar get out of control. I was
Diabetes And Its Effect On Different Parts Of The Body
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