Ketoacidosis

A registered nurse from the local community service has been assigned to take over the care of a patient called Mr Peter Mitchell, a 52-year-old male, who has recently been discharged from hospital. The community nurse has reviewed Mr Mitchell’s background history which includes, morbid obesity, chronic smoker of about 20 cigarettes per day for the last 30 years, depression, type 2 diabetes for which he is prescribed Insulin Novamix 30 B D (34units mane & 28units nocte) and Metformin 500mg BD,…

What is diabetic acidosis (ketoacidosis)? Diabetic acidosis is a life-threatening condition which can occur in patients with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. It leads to high blood glucose levels and the presence of ketones in the urine, as well as certain acids…

several ways. Symptoms are almost the same as ‘hypo’ but these are more severe and sudden. They include extreme thirst, dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness and frequent urination. If hyperglycemia isn’t treated properly, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a serious condition where the body breaks down fat and muscle as an alternative source of energy. Thus, it leads acid build-up in the blood which can cause vomiting, dehydration and even,…

glucose uptake capability. Some of the differentiated T cells remain as memory cells, continuing the destruction process (Acharjee). The destruction of these cells results in decreased glucose control, which can contribute to both hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis, even if insulin is utilized correctly. T1Ddevelops over the course of many years. The first stage, or preclinical phase, of T1D is defined as the point at which beta cell destruction takes place. The disease is not fully developed until…

feel that dietary ketosis is harmless in humans who are not currently battling diabetes. If a diabetic detects ketone bodies in their urine, it is typically associated with poor management of diabetes and can be a sign of a condition known as ketoacidosis, not ketosis. Mild ketosis…

Acid-base balance for the electrolytes in our bodies is very important for maintaining homeostasis. If our acid-base balance is disturbed and gets higher or lower, conditions take over for our bodies to bounce back from. Normal pH balance for adults is between 7.35-7.45 in arterial blood. If a change in blood pH becomes higher or lower, it leads to acidosis or alkalosis. Here will be discussing two types: respiratory acidosis and alkalosis and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis. Respiratory…

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that is characterized by high blood glucose levels. It has two types, 1 Type 1 or diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is caused mainly by an auto-immunological destruction of the pancreatic β cells which are responsible to produce insulin, but it can be caused by other factors. The patients that suffer from T1DM have a total deficiency of insulin, and are usually young. In type 2 or diabetes mellitus (T2DM), different cells of the body including fat and muscle cells…

Clatter clatter clatter… “Oh I cut my hand loading up the dishwasher.” Clatter clatter clatter… “It’s a UTI, I’m 1,000% sure.” Clatter clatter clatter… “I 'm not sure I 'm in the right place - are you the dermatologist?” Before the doctor opens the door, his presence is heralded by the cacophonous sound of my compact standing computer desk. Like the shopping cart you inevitably grab at the grocery store, it has a wonky, rattling wheel whose strident chorus fills the small urgent care facility…

According to The American Diabetes Association, “Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Chronic hyperglycemia found in patients with diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels” (p.1). There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Insulin management is needed for…

One of the most important benefits is the continuity of care that the patient will have easily accessible to them. Patients will have earlier access to care when needed, which hopefully allow them to be treated sooner so that less interventions and specialties will be needed. Patients in rural areas no longer have to commute long distances for specialized care; they can consult with specialized nurses and physicians via telephone. Health records are kept up to date, especially if the all the…