It is a life-threatening complication of diabetes and typically seen in patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus, though it may also occur in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. In most cases, the trigger is new-onset diabetes, an infection, or a lack of compliance with treatment. In addition, AKA is often precipitated by another medical illness such as infection or pancreatitis. Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a condition that can happen when you’ve had a lot of alcohol and haven’t had much to eat or have been vomiting. When this happens, it can cause ketones, which are acids, to build up in your blood. If not treated quickly, alcoholic ketoacidosis may be life-threatening.
- Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a metabolic complication of alcohol use and starvation characterized by hyperketonemia and anion gap metabolic acidosis without significant hyperglycemia.
- The triage nurse has to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of DKA and immediately admit the patient and notify the emergency department physician.
- Typical characteristics of the latter may include rhinophyma, tremulousness, hepatosplenomegaly, peripheral neuropathy, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, and palmar erythema.
- Laboratory analysis plays a major role in the evaluation of a patient with suspected alcoholic ketoacidosis.
- You should also follow all of your doctor’s recommendations to ensure proper nutrition and recovery.
- Meetings are widely available at little-to-no cost in most communities.
Deterrence and Patient Education
Mental status and neurologic exam should be monitored in all patients with DKA. Mannitol is typically the first-line agent, though there are also Sobriety studies in both TBI literature and DKA literature regarding the use of 3% saline. Fluid resuscitation and maintenance, insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement, and supportive care are the mainstays of management in diabetic ketoacidosis. Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a complication of alcohol use and starvation that causes excess acid in the bloodstream, resulting in vomiting and abdominal pain.
What is Vykat XR used for?
- Alcoholic ketoacidosis is attributed to the combined effects of alcohol and starvation on glucose metabolism.
- There has been a concern that normal saline may contribute to hyperchloremia and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis; however, this typically occurs when it is used for large volumes.
- Patients are usually tachycardic, dehydrated, tachypneic, present with abdominal pain, and are often agitated.
- You can prevent alcoholic ketoacidosis by limiting your alcohol intake.
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is usually triggered by an episode of heavy drinking. If you can’t eat for a day or more, your liver will use up its stored-up glucose, which is a type of sugar. When your liver uses up its stored glucose and you aren’t eating anything to provide more, your blood sugar levels will drop.
Differential diagnosis
Measurement of glycated hemoglobin (A1C) provides information about glucose trends over months. Dehydration and volume constriction directly decrease the ability of the kidneys to excrete ketoacids. Profound dehydration can culminate in circulatory collapse and/or lactic acidosis. Group meetings provide support for people trying to quit drinking.
Patients who appear significantly ill and those with positive ketones should have arterial blood gas and serum lactate measurements. Follow all directions that your health care provider alcoholic ketoacidosis gives you. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Follow your health care provider’s instructions on managing your blood sugar.
