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What's the difference between DKA and hyperglycaemia?

G

goji

Well-Known Member
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Just wondering how do you know the difference between hyperglycaemia and DKA?

I went out for dinner and midway through I couldn't remember if I'd taken my insulin or not. So I opted to play it safe and take a low dose of 5 units (normally I would take about 8-9 to cover the meal I ate). Well an hour and a half later my BG is 16, so I now know I didn't double dose. I have taken an extra 3.5 for correction.

What I would like to know is when does a high blood sugar like 16 stop being hyperglycaemia and start being DKA and how would you know it is happening?

Thanks
G :D
 
By testing for ketones you will know if you are becoming at risk of developing DKA. Generally if you are well and you have the odd explainable high reading, like you have today, you are not at risk of DKA. But if you are unwell and/or have had high blood glucose levels for a longer period of time then you start running the risk of high levels of ketones. As the amount of ketones increase your blood will eventually become toxic and you can develop ketoacidosis which may be life threatening.

Here is some more information: http://www.dmforum.org.uk/DMF/PDF/blood ... ing_A4.pdf
 
Thanks Sophia - that's helpful information.

I checked for ketones and they are negative so I think it's just hyperglycaemia due to insufficient insulin!
 
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