Language
Country/Area
No result found
Why can the fruity aroma of diabetics indicate a life-threatening situation?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes that usually occurs when blood sugar is too high. Although this condition continues to receive attention from medical research, many people still have insufficient understanding of DPA, especially the unique fruity smell it causes, which may indicate a danger to the patient's life.
DKA can cause severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and acidosis, which may even lead to death if left untreated.
The initial symptoms of DKA include vomiting, abdominal pain, deep, rapid breathing, and frequent urination, which usually evolve rapidly within 24 hours. One of the most characteristic signs is a "fruity" smell on the breath, which is due to the production of ketone bodies, especially the presence of acetone. The smell has a very distinctive character and is often described as being similar to pear candy or fructose.
The source of this odor is due to a lack of insulin. When the body lacks this hormone, it begins to burn fat for energy, and the ketone bodies produced in the process enter the bloodstream, causing acidosis. Due to the high concentration of ketone bodies, the patient's breathing becomes rapid and deep, a phenomenon called Kussmaul's breathing, and may be accompanied by acute abdominal pain and deep dehydration.
DKA is a dangerous and potential condition in diabetic patients. Patients should seek medical help immediately when they develop a fruity odor.
In treatment, the first step is usually to replenish lost water and electrolytes. Intravenous rehydration with normal saline is the most common practice, followed by monitoring of the patient's blood sugar and insulin supplementation, usually by intravenous injection. Through steps like this, the medical team can gradually stabilize the patient's condition and prevent more serious complications.
Not only that, but the potassium levels in the blood will continue to change over the course of treatment because insulin causes potassium to enter cells, thereby lowering potassium levels in the blood. This change requires timely monitoring and potassium supplementation according to actual needs. If potassium levels are not adjusted according to the condition, patients may develop dangerous conditions such as irregular heartbeats.
The primary task in treating DKA is to gradually stabilize blood sugar and improve acidosis, and the patient's vital signs and laboratory data must be monitored at all times.
Although DKA mostly occurs in patients with known diabetes, some diabetics may show symptoms of DKA for the first time even before being diagnosed, especially if they are faced with an infection or other health crisis. Therefore, it is important to recognize the early signs of DKA early and patients need to know how to adjust their insulin or seek medical help if they become ill.
With the advancement of science and technology, many clinical studies have explored the best way to treat DKA. However, there are still many questions that have not been answered, such as the impact of low blood pH on DKA patients and how to effectively manage potassium levels.
Globally, the incidence of DKA varies widely, with approximately one in four people with type 1 diabetes developing DKA in Malaysia each year, compared with only 4% in the UK. Therefore, it is quite necessary to carry out targeted preventive education and medical intervention for patients in different countries.
At the end, we can't help but think about: While facing a life crisis, how should patients increase their understanding and attention of diabetes to improve their chances of early treatment?
